Tooth Sensitivity ....commonest dental problem

Dentinal hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, is a common dental problem. It is experienced as a painful sensation in the teeth, often occurring after eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Most sufferers are between 20 and 50 years old. Tooth sensitivity can start to happen when the softer, inner part of the tooth called ‘dentine’ becomes exposed. Dentine lies under the enamel and the gums. 

Thousands of microscopic channels run through the dentine towards the centre of the tooth that link to the nerves on the inside of the tooth. When dentine is exposed, these nerves are easily stimulated by external triggers (such as a cold drink), resulting in the characteristic short, sharp sensation of tooth sensitivity.

Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Aggressive brushing  

Toothbrush and/or toothpaste damage may be the most frequent cause of sensitive teeth. By brushing too hard and/or using abrasive toothpaste, you may be removing tooth structure at the necks of your teeth resulting in pain, especially to cold drinks, food, and air, but also to physical pressure, hot, sweet and sour.

Lack of a Twice-Daily Routine

Taking a laid-back approach to brushing, flossing and rinsing can let tarter build up along the gum line leading to advanced gum disease there by exposing root surface and a potential cause of tooth sensitivity.   

Cracked tooth

A crack or chip in your tooth may expose the underlying dentin or may fill with bacteria from plaque, causing the nerve to inflame.

Teeth grinding

over time, grinding or clenching your teeth can erode enamel and expose dentin.

Gum disease 

You may have noticed that your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth. This means your gums are receding, exposing sensitive nerve branches living in the tooth’s root. Inflamed or sore gums may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface leading directly to the tooth. Harsh brushing can be culprits.

 Or if you have advanced gingivitis, that is periodontal disease, the gums are moving away from the tooth, exposing the roots.

Tooth decay

Gum disease or other local factors can cause lodgment of food thus resulting in decay which is also a potential cause of tooth sensitivity. Since you see no decay on top of the tooth, you might not be aware a cavity exists, but it can create tiny holes near the gum in front or the back of the tooth.

Tooth whitening 

Using products with peroxide or baking soda can seriously aggravate exposed roots or dentin.

Acidic Diet

If you frequently eat sharp-tasting and/or sour food and drinks, this could be stripping away tooth enamel. Check your regular diet for highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, yogurt, sour cream, aged cheeses and acidic drinks such as orange juice, sports drinks, wine and carbonated drinks including soda, and aim to limit your intake.

5. Sugary Diet

Loading up on sugary treats such as cookies and cake can prompt bacteria to grow, leading to eroding gums that expose sensitive areas of the teeth.

OR

It is possible to experience tooth sensitivity after routine dental procedures such as the placement of a filling or crown, tooth restoration, or even teeth cleaning. Such sensitivity is temporary

Measures in handling sensitivity

Toothpastes for sensitive teeth

Desensitizing agents (there’s loads of different ones on the market now) work by blocking off the dentinal tubules, so that the nerves don’t get stimulated.

They work a lot better by gently massaging the paste or gel into the sore spot with a finger. Do not rinse it off with water or mouthwash. It may take several weeks before the desired effect is achieved.

High-fluoride mouthwashes

You may want to try a non-alcohol mouthwash with a high fluoride content instead. Some of them are specifically designed to reduce sensitivity. They should be used twice a day after brushing – one of those times should be just before you go to bed, so the mouthwash doesn’t get rinsed away when you drink or eat something.

Swish the mouthwash back and forth between the teeth for at least 30 seconds, and do not rinse with water afterwards.

Recaldent

Now there are also available tooth remineralizing agent which have also proved to be beneficial (these are quite expensive though).

Professional Intervention

What can dentists do about sensitive teeth?

Only a dentist can confirm you have dentinal hypersensitivity. If you are experiencing any dental problems, always consult your dentist for advice. If you have dentinal hypersensitivity, you can help to minimize further exposure of the dentine, care for your sensitive teeth and relieve the  symptoms by making some simple changes to your daily oral care routine and dietary habits.

• Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, your dentist may be able to paint special fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes onto the affected teeth
• If this doesn’t help and you can’t put up with the sensitivity, your dentist can seal or put bonding around the neck of the tooth, to cover exposed dentine. You should try the other options first though.
• If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night.
• If there is a hidden caries probably it needs to filled.

 

Rules for Sensitive Teeth

Continue to follow a good brushing and flossing routine to maintain the good health of your teeth. Use a soft bristle brush and brush gently. Try desensitizing toothpaste. There are several different brands for sensitive teeth. With regular use, you should notice a difference in the degree of sensitivity.