Are Your Teeth Sensitive and Can They Be De-Sensitised?
Tooth sensitivity is among the most common dental conditions, affecting about three in every ten Australians. It is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 40 but can manifest in people of all ages. There is a tendency to dismiss sensitive teeth as something that must be tolerated, but this is a mistake, as sensitivity can be a sign of more serious oral health conditions.
What are Sensitive Teeth?
Dentin sensitivity is the discomfort felt when the dentin, the layer of the tooth that lies beneath the external enamel, becomes exposed. The dentin contains tiny tubes that lead directly to the nerve at the tooth’s centre.
These tubes transmit external stimuli, such as hot or cold from food or drink, to reach the nerve, causing sharp but usually brief pain.
Common Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth
Most of us have experienced tooth sensitivity occasionally. It might be when we consume something particularly cold, for example, when biting on an ice lolly, or perhaps in the days after some dental procedure when the tooth is extra tender during recovery.
Symptoms like these are not necessarily cause for concern. However, sensitivity can manifest in unexpected pain brought about by such minor stimuli as the inhalation of cold air or by brushing your teeth.
You can check for the following signs:
- Sensitivity to cold – is the most common type of sensitivity, so treat yourself to some ice cream and see if any of your teeth react to the colder temperature.
- Sensitivity to brushing – The next most common type of sensitivity is felt when brushing your teeth. Pay attention to which teeth feel sensitive and when – is it while brushing or when rinsing with cold water? This is all valuable information for the dentist when it comes to diagnosing the sensitivity and coming up with a treatment plan.
- Sensitivity to heat – this is almost as common as sensitivity to cold. This type of sensitivity can be felt when you have a hot drink, and it is most commonly associated with bacteria in the tooth.
- Sensitivity to sweet – when you have a sweet soft drink or even eat something sugary such as chocolate, it can trigger sensitivity. This can indicate a tooth cavity exposing the dentin, so the good news is that this type of sensitivity is often easy to resolve with a filling.
- Sensitivity to acidic food – an acid-rich diet can dissolve your tooth surface, exposing more of the dentine tubes, resulting in dental sensitivity. Common types of acidic food include citrus fruits and juices, wine, sports drinks and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
Root Causes of Sensitive Teeth
We have established that sensitivity is brought about by dentin becoming exposed. But that leads to the question of how this comes about. There are two common ways. The first is when the enamel that coats the tooth is worn away. The second cause is when the root of the tooth, which is not covered in enamel, becomes exposed through gum recession. Dentin can also become exposed when a tooth is cracked or when you have a cavity.
Diagnosing Sensitve Teeth
Diagnosing which of these causes sensitive teeth is the first step in resolving the problem. So, if you experience sensitivity, it is important to visit your dentist without delay.
The positive news is that the root cause is usually quite easy to track down with a physical examination combined with your description of the symptoms and triggers. This is why it is so important to take some time to establish what is triggering the pain and which tooth or teeth are affected.
Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth
There are a range of treatment options available for sensitive teeth. If the problem is caused by tooth damage, such as a crack or cavity, the dentist can fill the cavity or apply dental varnish. This can also be applied to exposed roots, along with other treatments to address receding gums.
It is just as important to take your dentist’s advice on oral hygiene practices that can help ease the sensitivity. Again, these will depend on your specific circumstances, but they might include using special de-sensitising toothpaste or applying it in a specific way to exposed roots. You might also be advised to use a particular type of toothbrush or to make some changes to your dietary habits, such as cutting down on fizzy drinks or acidic food types.
Sensitive teeth are among many common dental questions we answer at Brighton Dental Suite.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are your teeth starting to appear larger? Do you find that your teeth have been extra sensitive? Contact us today to arrange a consultation. We’re providers with Medibank, HCF, and MDF. You can claim your health fund rebate on the spot with our HICAPS machine.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
Common Questions about Sensitive Teeth
Why Have My Teeth Suddenly Become Sensitive?
There are several potential triggers for sudden onset sensitivity. These include damage to a tooth, gum recession or some external factor such as use of some teeth whitening products. Your dentist will be able to help to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Should I Worry About Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitivity is a common problem. You should not ignore it, as it is usually a sign of some underlying problem that will most likely get worse if ignored. However, it is typically easy to diagnose and treat, so you can rest assured that your dentist will be able to help.
What Deficiency Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Some vitamin deficiencies can cause or exacerbate sensitive teeth, including a lack of calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. But there is usually some other cause, too, such as worn enamel or receding gums, so it is important to mention any sensitivity to your dentist so that it can be investigated during your check-up.
How Do You Get Rid of Sensitive Teeth?
Resolving sensitivity depends on identifying the root cause. But many of these causes, such as receding gums or tooth decay can be managed by following good dental hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing. You can also reduce the pain from sensitive teeth my using de-sensitising toothpaste and by avoiding sweet or acidic foods that could be acting as a trigger.