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Sensitive Teeth
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is caused by the
stimulation of cells within tiny
tubes located in the dentin (the
layer of tissue found beneath the
hard enamel that contains the inner
pulp). When the hard enamel is
worn down or gums have receded
causing the tiny tube surfaces to be
exposed-pain can be caused by
eating or drinking food and
beverages that are hot or cold;
touching your teeth; or exposing
them to cold air.
Hot and cold temperature
changes cause your teeth to expand
and contract. Over time, your teeth
can develop microscopic cracks
that allow these sensations to seep
through to the nerves. Exposed
areas of the tooth can cause pain
and even affect or change your
eating, drinking and breathing
habits. Taking a spoonful of ice
cream, for example, can be a
painful experience for people with
sensitive teeth.
Is tooth sensitivity a common
condition?
Sensitive teeth is one of the most
common complaints among
dental patients. At least 45
million adults in the United
States and 5 million Canadians,
suffer at some time from
sensitive teeth.
How can I avoid sensitivity?
Some toothpastes contain abrasive
ingredients that may be too harsh
for people who
have sensitive teeth. Ingredients
found in some whitening
toothpastes that lighten and/or
remove certain stains from enamel,
and sodium pyrophosphate, the
key ingredient in tartar control
toothpastes may increase tooth
sensitivity.
To prevent sensitivity
from occurring, use a soft
bristled toothbrush. Avoid
using hard bristled tooth
brushes and brushing your
teeth too hard, which can wear
down the tooth's root surface
and expose sensitive spots. The
way to find out if you're
brushing your teeth too hard is
to take a good look at your
toothbrush. If the bristles are
pointing in multiple directions,
you're brushing too hard.
How do I know when it's time to
see a dentist?
If a tooth is highly sensitive for
more than three or four days, and
reacts to hot and cold
temperatures, it's best to get a
diagnostic evaluation from your
dentist to determine the extent of
the problem. Before taking the
situation into your own hands, an
accurate diagnosis of tooth
sensitivity is essential for effective
treatment to eliminate pain.
Because pain symptoms can be
similar, some people might think
that a tooth is sensitive, when
instead, they actually have a
cavity or abscess that's not yet
visible.
How do I describe my symptoms
to my dentist?
Sensitivity may be defined as a
short sharp pain, which is usually
initiated by hot or cold foods or
exposure to cold air. Aching often
follows. Because sensitivity may
mean different things to a patient
and dental professional, be sure to
clarify exactly what you feel when
you discuss the condition with
your dentist. Be sure to tell the
dentist when the pain started and if
there is anything, such as the
application of a warm compress,
that helps eliminate the pain.
Do some products work to help
decrease sensitivity?
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth
usually contain a desensitizing
agent that protects the exposed
dentin by blocking the tubes in the
teeth that are connected to nerves.
In most cases, these products must
be used on a regular basis for at
least a month before any ther-
apeutic benefits may be noticed.
What can the dentist do for
my sensitive teeth?
Dentists have a variety of regi-
mens to manage tooth hyper-
sensitivity, including both in
office treatments and patient
applied products for home use. If
you are diagnosed with dentin
hypersensitivity, your dentist
may apply a desensitizing agent
or a protective coating. You may
be prescribed
a stannous fluoride gel or an
over-the-counter desensitizing
toothpaste containing fluoride
and either potassium nitrate or
strontium chloride. These
ingredients help block trans-
mission of sensation from the
tooth to the nerve. It also might
help to massage the special
paste onto your gums with your
finger after brushing.
What should I do after the
dentist has applied a
desensitizing agent?
Listen closely to your dentist's
instructions. He or she may advise
you not to eat or drink for a short
period of time, to eliminate all
sources of irritation, such as acidic
foods or medication, highly
concentrated foods or flavored
toothpastes. You may also be
instructed to change oral hygiene
habits that are likely to cause
abrasion or use a daily fluoride
application (a rinse or brush-on
gel.)
Sources: Denlalnoles, February 1998,
January 1996, Soulh
African
DenIal
Journal, Augusl 1999, Voi.54 No.8, Mark
Ide;
The
DenIal
Advisor:
"Denlin
Hypersensilivity, " volume 12, number 2,
June
1993;
General
Denlislry:
"Hypersensilive denlinal pain allenualion
wilh polassium nilrale," January/February
1999; The Journal of Ihe American DenIal
Associalion: "Assessing Ihe efficacy of
Ihree denlrifices in Ihe Irealmenl of Denlinal
Hypersensilivity," Voi. 127, February 1996;
George McLaughlin, DMD, Fellow of Ihe
Academy of General Denlislry
