Sensitive teeth can make eating certain foods, drinking different beverages, and even routine brushing and flossing painful experiences. Generally sensitive teeth are most affected by consuming exceptionally hot or cold foods or drinks, and the discomfort caused from these items can be quite sharp and arise very suddenly. Most sensitive teeth are the result of the loss of tooth enamel or other dental problems, but there are several ways to help prevent the occurrence of sensitive teeth and to reduce the existing sensitivity in certain teeth.
Features
Sensitive teeth can be caused by cavities or fractured teeth, but generally speaking they are the result of enamel loss or exposed root surfaces.
Enamel is the hard, outer layer that is present on the crowns of healthy teeth. However, over time enamel loss can occur, leaving the dentin of the tooth exposed and providing a path for hot and cold sensations from foods and drinks to reach the nerves inside the teeth, causing painful, sensitive teeth.
Gum recession can leave the root of the tooth exposed, and since the root surface is not covered by enamel, this recession can cause sensitivity along the gum line of certain teeth.
Types
There are several factors that can adversely affect tooth enamel, resulting in the occurrence of sensitive teeth. Consistently brushing too hard can wear down tooth enamel, exposing the more porous dentin that allows for heat and cold to reach the tooth's nerve center. Injuries that cause chipped or cracked teeth break through tooth enamel, leaving the tooth unprotected and highly susceptible to bacteria and sensitivity. Teeth grinding and tightly clenching the jaw, often while sleeping, break through enamel, along with consuming acidic foods and drinks like citrus and tea.
Sensitive teeth can also be caused by gum recession, which can also be the result of brushing too had. Gum recession can occur because of periodontal disease or gingivitis, which both pull the gums away from the teeth, leaving the root surface exposed and providing direct access to the nearby nerve center.
Other causes of sensitive teeth include plaque buildup, teeth whitening products, and the long-term use of certain mouthwashes.
Considerations
There are several types of desensitizing toothpastes that dentists recommend to help relieve sensitive teeth. These toothpastes are made of compounds that stop hot and cold sensations from reaching the tooth's nerve, diminishing the painfulness of sensitive teeth. Some of these toothpastes are available over the counter and others can be prescribed by dentists.
For sensitivity caused by gum recession dentists may recommend gingival grafting, a procedure that takes healthy gum from another area of the mouth and patches it over the exposed root surface of sensitive teeth. Once healed, the patched gum will no longer be exposed, eliminating the ability for sensations to enter through the root surface. Bondings, fluoride varnishes, and dentin sealers can also be applied to the root surface with the same result.
Prevention/Solution
To prevent sensitive teeth dentists recommend regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups (at least once every 6 months) and brushing properly with a soft bristled toothbrush. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse each day can help maintain strong tooth enamel, preventing the occurrence of sensitive teeth. Eating and drinking acidic foods and beverages should be limited in order to avoid enamel loss, and those that grind their teeth or clench their jaws at night should be fitted for a night guard to wear while sleeping to protect their teeth.
Time Frame
A person's age can greatly affect the occurrence of sensitive teeth, as tooth sensitivity is reported to be the highest in people between 25 and 30 years of age.
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