Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatments

Those of us who have sensitive teeth, experience twinges of pain or discomfort when we eat or drink cold items, sometimes hot items, sweets or when our teeth are touched.

There are two types of tooth sensitivities: Dentinal sensitivity and Pulpal sensitivity. Dentinal sensitivity happens when the middle of the tooth is exposed. Normally the dentin is protected by enamel. There are many reasons why this happens. Some of those reasons are:

An old filling with a crack or leak

Decay

Excessive tooth whitening in people with root surfaces already exposed

Gum recession, which exposes the tooth's roots (often caused by periodontal disease).

Gum surgery that exposes the tooth's roots

Long-term tooth wear

Poor oral hygiene that allows tartar to build up at the gum line

Too-vigorous brushing that wears away the tooth surface (enamel)

The dentin has many tiny openings called "tubules". There is a tiny nerve branch inside each tubule that comes from the pulp of the tooth (center of the tooth). It is this nerve that signals the pain when one of the sensitive items listed hits it.

Pulpal sensitivity can happen when the tooth's pulp area, which is a mass of blood vessels and nerves, is affected. When this happens it usually only occurs with one tooth. Causes of this may be decay or infection in the tooth, a recent filling, or excessive pressure from clenching or grinding your teeth or it could also be that you have a broken or cracked filling.

What it means

If the sensitivity is in one tooth and begins with just cold sensitivity and then progresses to hot sensitivity then it could mean that the nerve is dying. If this is the case, root canal work may be necessary. If the tooth is still painful after the stimulus (hot or cold, or pressure) is gone, then the tooth may need root canal work.

Treatment

Your dentist will want to look at your dental history, and then examine your mouth and tooth. You will be asked if you clench or grind your teeth It is common to have teeth sensitivity for those of us who grind or clench our teeth. Your dentist may use a sharp instrument to test each of your teeth for sensitivity. Your dentist will conduct sensitivity tests to see if root canal work is necessary. If your sensitivity is due to a recent filling the sensitivity should go away in a few weeks. Sensitivity in several teeth may go away in a few weeks or you may continue to have sensitive teeth for a lifetime. There are special toothpastes made to help relieve sensitivity that your dentist may recommend. There are some treatments now, for people for clench or grind their teeth. Your dentist will explain about these devices.

You might be able to lower your risk of having sensitive teeth by:

Getting treatment for grinding and clenching your teeth.

Have good oral hygiene

Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse

Use a soft toothbrush and practise brushing gently up and down. Brushing side to side can cause enamel abrasion

Use a toothpaste made for people with sensitive teeth