Studies indicate that millions of people worldwide suffer from sensitive teeth, also called dentin hypersensitivity. If you experience temporary tooth discomfort or pain from eating cold or hot foods or sweet or sour foods, drinking cold or hot liquids, or breathing cold air, then you have sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth can happen at any time, but it is more common in women and in those aged 20 to 40 years. Sensitivity of teeth is usually caused when the dentin layer, the layer just under the enamel of your teeth, is exposed. When the protection of enamel or gums is reduced, microscopic holes in the dentin transmit hot or cold sensation to the tooth nerve. Symptoms can range from a mild twinge to discomfort that can last for hours. Tooth sensitivity can be a warning sign of serious dental problems, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to determine the cause.
One of the most common causes of sensitivity is improper tooth brushing. Studies suggest that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. This pressure, coupled with using a hard bristled toothbrush, can abrade the enamel layer or cause your gums to recede. A tooth can be bruised or abraded from instruments during dental procedures or from accidental biting on hard substances. Eating foods high in acid, drinking diet soft drinks several times a day, using a tartar control toothpaste, and tooth whitening or bleaching processes can all cause sensitivity. Tooth grinding or a cracked tooth or filling can also cause hypersensitivity.
Sensitivity can also be a symptom of receding gums. The two most common reasons for gum recession are heavy handed brushing and poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to gum disease.
The treatment your dentist will recommend to relieve your sensitivity symptoms will depend on the causes. If your sensitivity has a more serious underlying cause, such as gum disease or a cracked filling, this will have to be addressed with dental care and proper hygiene. Your dentist may recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and teach you to brush more gently. She or he may recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth, a fluoride rinse or a sensitive teeth gel.
If your sensitivity is caused by something you're eating or drinking, you will have to eliminate these things from your diet. Even if your diet is not the culprit, you may still need to watch your intake of acidic foods and beverages because these can work against sensitivity toothpaste. If bruxism if the cause, you can be fitted with a special mouth guard to wear while you're sleeping.
Whether you have sensitive teeth or not, it's important to maintain a regime of brushing and flossing every day. Never bite down on hard objects such as pens. Never eat very hot or very cold foods, and never eat one right after the other. Extreme temperatures or quick changes in temperature can damage even healthy teeth.
2007 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC
