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.
