If your teeth hurt after exposure to hot or cold foods or beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint. The Academy of General Dentistry reports that at least 40 million adults suffer from sensitive teeth at some point in their lives. Both over-the-counter and professional treatments are available to treat sensitive teeth.
Identification
Tooth sensitivity happens when small tubes located in the dentin layer of the teeth are exposed to the air. Dentin is usually protected by the hard enamel layer that makes up the outer portion of the teeth. Breaks or erosion in the enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Causes
Tooth sensitivity occurs due to fractures, cracks, cavities or consuming too many foods or beverages that contain acids, such as soft drinks or fruit juice. Acid reflux and bulimia can erode tooth enamel because acid may be present in the mouth if you suffer from one of these conditions, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Brushing teeth too vigorously can cause receding gums, resulting in tooth sensitivity when the dentin at the gum line is exposed.
Using Special Toothpaste
Using toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth can help reduce pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or beverages. The American Dental Association explains that these toothpastes contain compounds that block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Sensitive-teeth toothpastes are available at drug, grocery and discount stores without a prescription.
Dental Treatment
Dentists treat tooth sensitivity by first treating any underlying causes, such as cavities or fractures. If no cavities or fractures are found and using sensitive-teeth toothpaste doesn’t help, your dentist may recommend that you use a desensitizing fluoride gel on your teeth. Dentists also use agents that bond to the tooth root to seal sensitive teeth if the problem is caused by receding gums, according to the American Dental Association. If pain is severe and not relieved by other treatments, a root canal can help stop pain. During a root canal, your dentist removes the pulp and nerve at the center of the tooth.
Prevention/Solution
Regular dental visits can help your dentist identify and treat cavities, fractures, breaks and other problems in teeth that can lead to a sensitivity problem. Using a soft-bristle brush and brushing teeth gently, particularly at the gum line, can prevent receding gums. The Academy of General Dentistry explains that if the bristles of your toothbrush are pointing in several directions, you are brushing too hard. Both whitening and tartar-control toothpaste are abrasive and may make teeth sensitive. Avoiding these toothpastes is a good idea if you experience sensitive teeth.
