SENSITIVE TEETH
Tooth sensitivity is discomfort or pain from one or more teeth when they are exposed to a stimulus. It will usually go away once the stimulus is no longer in the mouth.
What is a stimulus?
A stimulus is an item that contacts the tooth to cause pain. A stimulus may include:
hot foods or drinks
cold foods or drinks
cool air
gentle touch, for example from a toothbrush
What causes sensitive teeth?
Teeth often become sensitive when the outside layer of teeth that provides protection is worn away or lost. Tooth enamel protects the part of the tooth that we can see inside the mouth, called the crown. The tooth root/s are protected by a layer of tooth structure called cementum and the gums around the tooth. These protective layers do not have feeling. They protect the inside layer of the tooth called dentine. The nerves inside the tooth extend into the dentine giving it feeling. If the enamel or cementum is worn away and no longer protecting the dentine, this can cause the tooth to become sensitive. When a stimulus directly contacts the dentine, it may cause pain from the nerve. This may be diagnosed as ‘dentine hypersensitivity’. It is a very common complaint from patients at the dentist.
Pain or discomfort that is still present after the stimulus has been removed may be a sign of tooth decay. It is important to see a dentist to find out the cause of the tooth sensitivity.
Some common causes of tooth sensitivity
Enamel worn away from tooth erosion due to regularly eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks.
Gums shrinking away from the teeth exposing the tooth root/s that are covered by the cementum. Cementum is not as strong as tooth enamel and can wear away more easily uncovering the dentine.
Teeth grinding or clenching teeth at night whilst sleeping.
Conditions that affect the teeth when they are developing. This can cause weakened tooth structure, for example enamel hypoplasia.
Ways to prevent sensitive teeth
• Brush your teeth gently. Pressing harder does not make the teeth cleaner.
• Keep good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease which can cause the gums to pull back from the teeth.
• Do not drink sugary or acidic drinks regularly. This includes soft drink, fruit juice, energy drink, sports drink, kombucha, and lemon water.
• Drink water after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks to rinse them from your mouth.
• Do not brush your teeth straight away after drinking sugary or acidic drinks, after reflux or after vomiting. Wait 60 minutes before brushing.
• See your dentist regularly so they can check for issues that may make teeth sensitive.
Can sensitive toothpaste help?
Sensitive toothpaste can help sensitive teeth. Special ingredients are added to these toothpastes to treat sensitivity. There are two ways these toothpastes work:
• The nerves inside the teeth are soothed by the toothpaste so they do not cause pain.
• The toothpaste makes a barrier over the area of the tooth that is sensitive.
• These toothpastes will not help if a sensitive tooth is caused by tooth decay. This needs to be treated by a dentist.
For More information
Australian Dental Association - Dec22