Maybe your usual excitement when eating ice cream has diminished lately. Or perhaps that sip of hot coffee you usually enjoy has become more like a jolt of pain. If so, you could be dealing with sensitive teeth.
But without knowing the cause, how can you know how to prevent and treat it? Let’s look at what causes sensitive teeth, how to prevent them, and available tooth sensitivity treatments.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is a common dental issue experienced by many people—40 million U.S adults to be exact. Simple daily tasks like eating and drinking can be a chore due to the pain that it causes.
It typically stems from worn tooth enamel, which exposes the underlying layer of dentin. This then activates nerves and can cause pain or discomfort to those who have sensitive teeth.
The Four Components of Teeth
Inside the tooth, there are four main components: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp. Let’s look at a breakdown of each part:
Enamel
As the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel is a hard protective coating. It’s made up of minerals that give it strength and durability. And when it starts to wear away, it exposes the underlying dentin.
Cementum
Beneath the enamel is cementum, which attaches to the bones in the jawbone and firmly anchors teeth in place.
Dentin
Inside the cementum lies dentin. This layer comprises thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the pulp chamber, filled with nerves and blood vessels.
Pulp
The innermost layer of a tooth is the pulp. This chamber houses the nerve endings associated with sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
A wide variety of things may cause sensitive teeth so if you don’t know what to look out for, we’ve got you covered:
- Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush or brushing too hard
- Eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages
- Grinding your teeth
- Recent dental procedures
- Cavities and tooth decay
Diagnosing Sensitive Teeth
Common symptoms of sensitive teeth include the following uncomfortable sensations:
- Sharp, shooting pain when eating/drinking cold or hot foods and beverages
- Pain when brushing teeth
- Lingering discomfort after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult your dentist for a thorough examination before it worsens.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
There are several ways to prevent sensitive teeth. Here are some easy steps to use:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques
- Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Avoid acidic and sugary foods and beverages
- Seek regular dental check-ups
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Depending on the severity of sensitivity, tooth sensitivity treatments range from desensitizing toothpaste to dental bonding. Your dentist will likely recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs like the following:
Desensitizing Toothpastes
Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients that help block the nerves in teeth from sending pain signals. After a few weeks of using these tooth sensitivity treatment pastes, you should start to notice a difference in your sensitivity levels.
Dental Bonding
For this tooth sensitivity treatment, your dentist applies resin to the sensitive areas of your teeth. The resin forms a protective barrier over the nerves, preventing them from becoming irritated and reducing pain and discomfort.
Keep Up With Your Oral Health at Stehl Family Dental
Sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable and painful, but with the right care and prevention, you can manage your symptoms and keep your smile healthy. At Stehl Family Dental, we are always available to help with any of your dental needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience our quality tooth sensitivity treatments!
