By Michelle Horst, DDS, Associates in Dentistry
Sensitive teeth can prevent you from eating some of your favorite foods, discourage you from smiling in the cold weather, and can be an overall nuisance. But did you know that sensitive teeth can be a dental symptom that can lead to bigger problems?
A healthy tooth consists of an outer layer of enamel, which is the hardest mineralized substance in the human body and covers the part of the tooth generally not covered by gums. Beneath the enamel is a layer called dentin. Dentin consists of dentin tubules which are tiny tubes that are filled with a fluid that can travel from the outer enamel to the inner nerve. It is the changes in the movement of this fluid within the tubules that is believed to cause temperature or chemical sensitivity. The root of the tooth, generally below the gums, is covered in cementum. It is not as strong as the enamel and is not as good at protecting the nerve from temperature sensitivity.
Sensitivity is generally a result of two major factors: the nerve on the inside of the tooth doesn’t have enough protection and/or there is damage to the tooth or gums.
If the nerve inside the tooth does not have enough protection, it is constantly exposed to hot and cold temperatures resulting in sensitivity. This can happen if the tooth enamel is worn down or is too thin. Tooth enamel can wear away from using a hard or medium bristle toothbrush or from brushing too hard. I tell my patients that they should brush every surface of their teeth as if they are cleaning dust off of a glass window, not as if they are scrubbing a greasy pot. Every day, I see permanent damage as a result of heavy brushing. In some cases, we have to place some bonding (white filling material) over the notches on their teeth to prevent further nerve damage.
Enamel can also become thin if it is constantly exposed to acidic foods or drink. Soda, citric juices, coffee, and wine are some examples of foods that can permanently damage your teeth by thinning the enamel away. I tell my patients that it is best to drink acidic and sugary foods all within 15-20 minutes and to rinse with water rather then brush immediately after drinking something like coffee. Brushing immediately afterwards only re-enforces the acid into the tooth resulting in permanent damage. If you are sensitive from thin enamel, you can try using a desensitizing toothpaste that can be purchased over-the-counter. Desensitizing toothpastes have ingredients that block the dentin tubules and prevent sensitivity. They have to be used frequently to get good results. Fluoride varnishes, which can help strengthen teeth and decrease thermal transmission, can also be applied to the teeth at your dentist’s office.
Gum recession is another reason for some major tooth discomfort. If the gums have been pushed down or lost from the root, they expose the tooth root. Gum surgery may be recommended to re-cover the tooth root with gum tissue.
Sensitive teeth can be a result of reversible or permanent damage to the tooth and/or nerve. This can be due to a deeper cavity or tooth and nerve trauma. In this case, it is very important to see a dentist before an infection occurs which can result in permanent tooth loss. In some cases, a crown (dental cap) and/or a root canal (removal of the nerve and filling the inside of the tooth) is necessary in order to keep your tooth longer.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity prevent you from smiling this winter! Make sure to talk to your dentist about your tooth sensitivity so that they can make recommendations on the proper treatment to get you feeling better.
For further information regarding tooth sensitivity and dental procedures, visit us at associatesindentistry.com for links to trusted, professional dental sources. With locations in Canton, Elmwood, Washington, Peoria, and Bartonville, Associates in Dentistry is ready to serve you and your family. Convenient weekend and evening appointments are available.
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