Teeth can be sensitive too!

Tooth sensitivity is the discomfort or tingling felt on having cold or hot drinks, sweets, ice-creams. This pain may be felt when cold air hits the teeth or while brushing and flossing too.

Sensitivity in a single tooth usually suggests that the tooth has developed a cavity or is cracked and needs urgent attention. A tooth filling can also cause sensitivity.

Global tooth sensitivity or sensitivity across many teeth has several causes.

Why does global teeth sensitivity occur?

The most common cause of global tooth sensitivity is brushing with a hard brush or using an abrasive tooth-paste. Enamel, the thick outer covering of the tooth, gets damaged and is removed over time, exposing the softer yellow dentine. Dentine contains fluid-filled tubes which lead to the nerves at the core of the tooth. Without enamel to protect them, these nerves are easily stimulated by fluid movement in the dentinal tubules and make teeth sensitive. So if you don’t want your teeth to be sensitive, they need to have a thick skin! :)

Acid erosion of teeth causes sensitivity. Regular consumption of carbonated drinks like colas and fruit juices or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as “heartburn”, leads to tooth erosion and thus, sensitivity.

Gum disease leads to gum recession, which means that gums pull away from the teeth or become loose. The tooth root can get exposed. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, not enamel. Cementum is very soft, more susceptible to decay and if brushed hard, wears off even faster to expose dentine.

Bruxism or teeth grinding is a habit that may be caused or worsened by stress. It is often done subconsciously. Bruxism may cause gum recession and decay which leads to sensitivity as described above. It may wear off the enamel from the tops of teeth, cause cracks and tooth fractures and thus expose the dentine.

Teeth whitening may cause sensitivity if teeth are already compromised in one of the above ways. This is because the whitening agent has to undergo a chemical reaction with enamel. A chemical reaction with thin enamel or dentine can cause sensitivity. Products of inferior quality, such as over-the-counter strips or gels bought online or at a chemist may contain highly acidic unstable bleaches. A dental consultation and examination is very important before whitening.

Treatment

Tooth sensitivity can be prevented by using a soft bristled tooth brush and brushing gently. Toothpastes should not be too abrasive and acidic foods should be avoided.

Non-alcoholic mouthwashes with fluoride content may help re-mineralize teeth. Often an underlying condition needs to be treated. A mouthguard for bruxism, antacids for gastric reflux would reduce sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpastes help decrease symptoms.

Dentists can recommend special gels to decrease sensitivity. Special varnishes can be painted onto the teeth or bonding may be applied over exposed dentine.