Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a catch-all term for sensitivity occurring in the root or dentin hypersensitivity. If you find that your teeth or just one problem tooth reacts to temperatures, sweet foods and acidic foods and drinks, then it's likely you have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a fairly common problem and it's important to let your dentist know if you're experiencing sensitivity issues so that they can examine your mouth thoroughly.

What causes tooth sensitivity

The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is the dentin on the root areas of your teeth being exposed due to periodontal disease or because of receding gums. Receded gums are a very common problem for older people with the majority of people over 65 having experienced some degree of recession. Your tooth has a layer of enamel to protect it but when the root of your tooth is exposed, it doesn't have this layer. Instead of having enamel the roots of your teeth are coated in a very soft material known as cementum. Once you lose your cementum this leaves the dentin of your root completely exposed. Exposed dentin is painful because the tiny channels within the tooth have nerves which are irritated especially after eating or drinking. The most common causes of sensitivity in the tooth itself are brushing excessively hard and using an abrasive toothpaste. These can both erode the surface enamel and expose the dentin, this can be exacerbated by an acidic or sugary diet. Medical conditions such as Bulimia can also cause erosion of the enamel due to the amount of acid collecting in the mouth. It's important to visit your dentist if you suspect you're having sensitivity issues as they can spot any potential problems well in advance. Many people who ignore the problem experience a decline in their oral health as sensitivity can often make brushing and other forms of oral care difficult or painful. In turn this can lead to even greater levels of decay and gum problems.

Treatment

If you're experiencing issues with sensitivity your dentist may advise you to lose a less abrasive toothpaste or a specialised toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Research has shown this type of toothpaste can reduce sensitivity if you brush with them regularly. Your dentist could also reccommend a fluoride gel or rinse which provides more protection from decay and reduces the sensitivity in your teeth. Your dentist can provide several treatments himself such as fluoride varnishes and plastic resins painted onto the teeth or if the cause of the sensitivity is decay then fillings may be required.

Prevention

In order to reduce the chances of developing sensitivity it's commonly advised that you maintain a decent level of oral hygiene. Most dentist recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes as well as flossing and using mouthwash. It also helps to ease of acidic foods and sugary snacks and drinks. Ignoring any sensitivity issues can lead to many more oral health issues so consult your dentist as soon as possible.