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Reasons to Treat Sensitive Teeth
One of the most common problems in dentistry is sensitive teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, you may feel discomfort when they are exposed to cold air, hot or cold food and beverages, or sweets.
Left untreated, tooth sensitivity can have far-reaching effects. Sometimes it stops people from properly brushing and flossing. This can lead to more sensitivity, decay, infection, and even loss of teeth and jawbone.
With proper treatment and care, your sensitive teeth can once again be healthy and comfortable.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
There are many possible causes, including improper stresses on teeth, loss of the tooth's protective enamel layer, and occasionally some dental procedures.
One of the major sources of improper stresses is the unconscious habit of grinding and clenching the teeth. Another source of stress occurs when teeth do not come together properly. Some teeth always hit sooner than the rest, and they become sensitive.
Teeth also become sensitive when they lose their protective outer layer that exposes the dentin. The dentin is the middle layer of the tooth, and it is normally protected by enamel (above the gumline) and cementum (below the gumline). Dentin contains millions of tiny tubes that extend from the nerves at the center of the tooth to the outer layer. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes are left open. Any stimulation at the surface of the dentin is transmitted through the tubes to the nerves, causing pain.
The dentin can become exposed through various processes, such as abfraction, erosion and abrasion. Abfraction occurs when one tooth hits sooner than the rest, causing the tooth to flex. Over time, this continual flexing causes the enamel to separate from the dentin. The following video illustrates an abfraction.
Erosion occurs when acids dissolve the enamel. This is often caused by the frequent sipping of acidic soft and sports drinks or exposing the teeth to stomach acids through acid reflux disease or bulimia.
Abrasion takes place when the protective layer is worn away. This can happen when you brush too hard, use a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush, or use an abrasive "tartar-control" or "whitening" toothpaste. Lastly, some dental procedures, such as bleaching and placing restorations, may sometimes lead to short-term sensitivity.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To determine the cause of your tooth pain, we do a thorough examination. Then we perform the most appropriate treatment for the situation.
If the problem is improper stress on teeth, we may adjust your bite or recommend that you war a mouthguard. If the problem is exposed dentin, we may present a plan for improved brushing techniques, counsel you about your diet, or apply a protective coating, bonding agent or restoration with a crown.
Self Care - Avoid Fluoride
Sensitivity can often be handled by using a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. However, always avoid using products containing fluoride. When you use fluoride toothpaste, don't you think a little is absorbed every time you brush your teeth? You don't have to swallow it. So why take a chance? Fluoride is a poison, and there are hundreds of articles on its harm.
Non-floride toothpaste is available at any health food store in the country and in many cases now even in the big box mass market stores such as walMart. If you can't find it, you can use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Large gallons of rinse can be made by using purified water and tee tree oil together.