Sensitive Teeth

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

A protective layer of enamel covers your teeth above the gum line, and under the gum line, cementum protects the root of your tooth. Beneath the enamel and the cementum is dentin.

Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. If enamel or cementum is worn away, heat, cold, and acidic or sticky foods can reach the nerves inside the tooth, leading to pain and hypersensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, including:  

• Worn tooth enamel
• Tooth erosion
• Tooth decay
• Cracked, leaky or worn fillings
• Broken and chipped teeth
• Gum recession
• Teeth grinding

You may also experience temporary sensitivity after dental procedures such as fillings, crowns and teeth whitening.

Treatment

Talk to your dentist about the pain and discomfort you are experiencing. Describe your symptoms, and tell him or her what sets the pain off, such as drinking cold beverages. Your dentist can test sensitivity by blowing cold air on each tooth. Once he or she determines the reason for your sensitivity, the underlying cause can be treated appropriately. Treatment may include:

Desensitizing toothpaste--When used regularly, desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain from nerve endings in the exposed dentin.

Fluoride—In-office application of fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.

Bonding—Applying bonding resin to sensitive, exposed root surfaces can ease sensitivity.

Gum grafting-- If receding gums are causing sensitivity, a surgical gum graft can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.

Mouth guards—Custom-made mouth guards can protect your teeth from grinding, which can erode enamel and cause sensitivity.

Root canal--If tooth sensitivity causes severe pain and other treatments aren't working, root canal is one of the most effective treatments for sensitive teeth.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily, and floss once a day. Avoid hard toothbrushes, vigorous scrubbing and abrasive toothpastes. Limit acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus fruit and wine. When drinking acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. Drinking milk or water after eating something acidic will help to reduce acid levels in your mouth.

Contact Us

If sensitive teeth are keeping you from enjoying the foods you love, we can help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at Dental Care Associates in Scotch Plains, NJ.