Dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity may cause symptoms of teeth sensitivity when you eat or drink foods that are cold, hot, sweet or very acidic. Even breathing in cold air can create sensitivity or pain with teeth that have dentin hypersensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is common and pain from it can come and go over time.
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by the exposure of dentin on the root areas, seen in areas of gum recession (where the gum has pulled or receded away from the crown of the tooth) or periodontal disease (gum disease). Receding gums are common as we age, but there are many reasons gums recede, in addition to age and gum disease.
Other reasons may be from:
In a healthy mouth, the dentin (root surface) is usually protected by your gums and by the teeth’s hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin, call tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.
See your dentist for an exam to determine the cause of the sensitivity and treatment recommendations.
Your dentist and dental hygienist may recommend regular in office fluoride applications and/or regular program using a special desensitizing paste beginning in the dental office and custom trays for take home use.
Areas of Abrasion or “worn grooves” on your teeth:
With some areas of root surface exposure, your toothbrush wears a groove in the tooth, causing a greater need to protect the nerve and eliminate the sensitivity. Bonding the area with a composite resin bonding material not only protects the nerve, it eliminates the pain.
At home, always use a soft bristle brush. A recommendation from your dental hygienist and dentist is important here, to avoid purchasing the wrong brush.
You may rinse with a fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist.
Use a desensitizing toothpaste. Some are purchased “over the counter” and others are by prescription, depending upon recommendations by our dentist and dental hygienist.
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