Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint at our Leicester dental practice. According to the International Dental Journal, 57 percent of adults between the ages of 20 to 50 report having sensitive teeth. The good news is that with most tooth sensitivity it can be easily treated at home.
What causes sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is most often caused when the dentine of the tooth becomes exposed. The whitest part of the tooth we see has a layer of enamel that protects the softer dentine underneath. If the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. This usually happens where the tooth and the gum meet and the enamel layer is much thinner. It is the microscopic dentinal tubules that transmit the temperatures of the drinks and foods that we consume straight to the nerve cells of the tooth. Suddenly, you can have teeth sensitive to hot or cold.
The most common causes of dentine exposure:
Abrasion – Incorrect toothbrushing by scrubbing the teeth especially where the teeth meet the gums
Recession – Gums can recede with age – becoming long in the tooth! The roots of the teeth will become exposed and can become more sensitive
Erosion – frequently consuming highly acidic foods and beverages can erode the enamel leaving the dentine exposed
Gum disease – a build-up of plaque or tartar can cause gum recession and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Difficult to clean pockets can form around the tooth making the problem worse
Cracked tooth or filling – a cracked tooth or filling can allow direct access down into the dentine
Bruxism – commonly referred to as tooth grinding. Bruxism can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive
How to fix it?
In order to fix tooth sensitivity, it’s important to understand what has caused it. We would always recommend a trip to the dentist to give you an accurate diagnosis, treatment advice and guidance in preventing further issues.
However, for most people suffering from general tooth sensitivity they can successfully manage their symptoms by using a desensitising toothpaste.
Sensitive toothpaste’s work by blocking the tiny dentinal tubules creating a barrier so they can’t transmit hot or cold sensations to the nerve area of the tooth.
When using a sensitive toothpaste it’s important to remember:
• Don’t rinse out after brushing with it. It has to stay on the teeth for a while in order to work.
• Allow some time before deciding if it is helping or not
• When you have found a toothpaste which works for you don’t switch to another. Not all sensitive toothpaste have the same ingredients.
Handy tip! If you have a particularly sensitive tooth try massaging the sensitive toothpaste into that area for a full minute. this can significantly reduce sensitivity.
