How to take care of sensitive teeth

If a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee is sometimes painful or if brushing or flossing makes you wince occasionally, you may have a common problem called “sensitive teeth.” Some of the causes include tooth decay, a cracked tooth, worn tooth enamel, worn fillings and tooth roots that are exposed as a result of aggressive tooth brushing, gum recession and periodontal (gum) disease.

When you have sensitive teeth, activities such as brushing, flossing, eating and drinking can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a side effect of a dental procedure, such as bleaching.

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time. It is more common in people aged between 20 and 40, although it can affect people in their early teens and when they are over 70. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

Sensitive teeth often occurs when enamel on the outside of the tooth, or the tissue between the tooth and gum called cementum, wears away, exposing small tubes that connect nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside of the tooth, experts say.

Toothbrush abrasion: Brushing too hard, and brushing from side to side, can cause enamel to be worn away, particularly where the teeth meet the gums. The freshly exposed dentine may then become sensitive.

The current study included 37 general dental practices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah. A total of 787 adults were surveyed.

The results appear in the March issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Understand that if you love to drink soda and citrus juices, cutting back is the best option, but drinking these drinks through a straw will lessen the contact of enamel-wearing acids with your teeth.

Also, experts say drinking cold or hot drinks through a straw will keep these common causes of pain off your teeth.

Other causes include the following:

• Dental erosion: This is loss of tooth enamel caused by attacks of acid from acidic food and drinks. If enamel is worn away the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to sensitivity.

• Gum recession: Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), and the roots will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.

* Gum disease: A build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse.

* Tooth grinding: This is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive. Other causes of pain from sensitivity may be:

Proper oral hygiene is an important step in preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease and pain from sensitive teeth. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or brush too aggressively, you may injure your gums and expose tooth roots.

Periodontal disease—an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth—also may be responsible. If periodontal disease is left untreated, gum tissues can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets that provide a home for bacteria. Periodontal disease can progress until the bone and other tooth-supporting tissues are destroyed, leaving the root surfaces of teeth exposed. Regular dental checkups are important so that tooth decay, periodontal disease and other problems may be detected and treated in the early stages.

Most people suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life.

Take action

To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, your dentist might offer suggestions to help you maintain your oral health. Twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, highly abrasive toothpaste, and excessive brushing and flossing. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. Tooth grinding (bruxism) can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity.

You might also consider limiting acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, wine and yogurt — all of which can remove tooth enamel. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink milk or water to balance the acid levels in your mouth. It also helps to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic substances, since acid softens enamel and makes it more vulnerable to erosion during brushing.

Again, depending on the circumstances, your dentist might recommend:

•Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth.

•Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.

•Covering exposed root surfaces. If receding gums are the cause of your sensitive teeth, your dentist might apply a sealant to cover the exposed tooth roots.

•Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp).

Source: mayoclinic.com; ada.org; wikihow.com; dentalhealth.org