Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

If you have ever winced while drinking a cold or hot drink, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can greatly affect the ways in which we perform daily tasks, such as brushing our teeth, eating, and drinking. Typically, a person with sensitive teeth might experience discomfort ranging from mild to sharp pain when engaging in such activities. A variety of issues can cause sensitive teeth, with most of them being dental-related. If you believe that you have this condition, here is all you need to know about it:

What Are Sensitive Teeth?

To understand this, you must first have a knowledge of basic dental anatomy. In the mouth, the visible teeth (crowns) are covered by a protective layer of enamel, while the roots of your teeth below your gums are protected by cementum. The primary culprit that causes tooth sensitivity is dentin, another material beneath the cementum. In the dentin, there are microscopic tubes called tubules in which fluid passes through.

If either the enamel or cementum in your mouth begins to wear away, the dentin tubules can become exposed, thus allowing the fluids to come in contact with extreme heat or cold temperatures. This may cause pain or aches while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Sensitivity can develop in either one or many teeth, depending on the health of your enamel and cementum. As mentioned before, there can be many reasons for your teeth to become sensitive.

What are the Causes of Sensitive Teeth?

What exactly causes your enamel or cementum to become worn down? Believe it or not, there are multiple activities that we perform in your daily lives that have been found to do so. Here is a short list of reasons why you might develop tooth sensitivity:

• Using a rough toothbrush. When purchasing a toothbrush, you may notice that the products are labeled with “soft” or “hard.” This label describes the strength of the bristles on the toothbrush, and while hard bristles have a few advantages, they can wear away the enamel covering your teeth after extended use. In addition, brushing your teeth roughly with any toothbrush can do so as well.
• Consuming acidic foods or drinks. Tooth erosion is a term that describes the process of enamel degradation by acidic molecules. When consuming highly acidic foods, such as citric fruits or candy, your teeth may become eroded and over time, develop a yellowish hue. When this occurs, your teeth will become more susceptible to infection and cavities.
• Gastroesophageal reflux. Otherwise known as GERD, Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when acid rises up to the mouth from the stomach and esophagus. Because the substance is acidic, it has the potential to erode your teeth over time.
• Bulimia and related conditions. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person forces himself/herself to regurgitate immediately after consuming food due to a distorted perception of body image. The frequent vomiting associated with this condition can cause tooth erosion and eventually worsen the health of your teeth.

A temporary form of this condition can also be caused by dental work, such as fillings or bleaching.

Remedies and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Depending on the severity of your condition there are a wide range of treatment options available. For low or mild sensitivity, you may try purchasing new dental products, such as toothbrushes with softer bristles or toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. Alcohol-free mouthwashes have also been shown to effectively reduce teeth sensitivity over time. These home remedies may take a while to greatly reduce sensitivity; however, they will provide immediate comfort that can be felt with each use.

If your sensitivity is caused by an underlying dental issue, it is advisable to visit a dentist. Treatments may include surgery or crowning, depending on how far the issue has progressed. If you have lost a significant amount of gum tissue, you may have to undergo a surgical gum graft. Gum grafting is a procedure in which tissue is removed from the palate and grafted into the site where gum tissue is missing. This procedure typically results in reduced sensitivity and fewer dental issues.

Underlying dental issues can be diagnosed using x-rays. After assessing your levels of pain and discomfort, your dentist will most likely examine your dental structure to determine if there are additional factors that contribute to your symptoms. In some cases, immense discomfort may be related to issues with the root canals. If this occurs, the exposed nerve may be removed to reduce symptoms and promote dental wellbeing.

One common treatment for teeth sensitivity, regardless of severity, is fluoride. The application of fluoride to the affected regions of your mouth can provide immediate pain relief and strengthen enamel. If your symptoms are recurring, your dentist may prescribe fluoride for use at home.

Outlook on Sensitive Teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, it is advisable to consult with your dentist before making any major lifestyle changes. A quick diagnosis will reveal whether your sensitivity is caused by an underlying condition and how it can be treated. Mild teeth sensitivity can be treated simply by purchasing different dental products and taking extra care of your teeth, while severe sensitivity may require the intervention of a dentist. Be sure to discuss all the available treatment options and their effectiveness before making a decision.

Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity?

We can help! Fortson Dentistry serves patients from our three locations in Southeast Michigan. Contact us today to set up an appointment.