If you avoid eating or drinking hot or cold beverages because of tooth pain, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, according to the American Dental Association. Poor oral hygiene practices, tooth damage and decay can cause sensitive teeth. Treating underlying dental problems can help relieve tooth pain and sensitivity.
Identification
The dentin, or middle layer of the tooth, is covered by the enamel and cementum. A tooth's enamel is visible above the gum line, while the cementum covers the dentin below the gumline. When part of the enamel or cementum cracks or chips away, the nerve branches inside the dentin are exposed, causing pain when you expose the teeth to hot or cold temperatures or place pressure on the affected teeth.
Symptoms
Sensitivity to cold drinks or foods is the most common symptom of sensitive teeth, according to the information website Simple Steps to Better Dental Health. Sensitivity to hot temperatures occurs less often and may be a sign that a tooth's nerve is dying. If you have sensitive teeth, you may also notice sensitivity when you touch your teeth with your tongue or eat sweet foods.
Causes
Tooth sensitivity may occur for many reasons, including cavities, cracked old fillings, periodontal disease, receding gums, eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages or a cracked tooth. Grinding the teeth can also cause the problem because tooth grinding can erode tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene habits may make you more susceptible to developing tooth sensitivity. If you do not brush your teeth regularly, tartar accumulates on the gumline. Failure to remove the tartar may result in periodontal disease, a condition that causes gums to recede. When the gums recede, part of the roots are exposed, making sensitivity more likely. Gums may also recede if you brush your teeth too hard.
Diagnosis
Your dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine why your teeth are sensitive. He will also ask about your oral hygiene habits, review your dental history and ask if you notice that you are clenching or grinding your teeth.
Treatment
If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend that you use special toothpaste manufactured just for people with sensitive teeth. The toothpaste contains compounds that block sensation from traveling from the tooth surface to the nerves, according to the American Dental Association. Your dentist can also help ease your pain by applying fluoride gel to strengthen your enamel. Repairing old fillings and repairing problems with crowns, inlays or bonding may also decrease sensitivity. If sensitivity occurs due to periodontal disease, a gum graft may be needed to cover the exposed tooth root. If sensitivity continues and is particularly painful, a root canal may be recommended.
