Teeth sensitivity can mean significant pain and it often impacts daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. It can also lead to painful dentist office visits and procedures.In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by your teeth’s hard enamel outer layer. However, dentin can become exposed due to receding gums, fractured or chipped teeth or erosion. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
- Brushing Too Hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and root exposure over time.
- Acidic Foods: Eating acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis can cause enamel to erode, increasing the likelihood of sensitivity.
- Bleaching
- Tooth Decay- a sensitivity to sweets only is often an indication you might have a cavity starting
- Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to a sensitive tooth or teeth. Not only can the act of grinding itself cause a sensitive tooth, but chronic grinding can wear away tooth enamel and expose tiny tubules that lead to the nerves in the inner part of the tooth.
Ways to relieve the Sensitivity
Fluoride helps protect against tooth sensitivity by strengthening tooth enamel. Look for toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain fluoride. Stannous fluoride is particularly good for treating sensitive teeth. Dr Blaess recommends Mi paste for daily use and a tray delivery method works best. Gum Surgery may be needed to fix gum recession. Filling may be needed, if you grind your teeth at night call us about a mouth guard.