5 Causes of Sensitive Teeth and How To Amend

Does the taste of ice cream send your body into a wincing spiral? Do hot beverages make you flinch? Does brushing or flossing cause mouth pain on occasion? You’re not alone. There are millions of sufferers who experience sensitive tooth pain.

Healthy teeth contain a layer of enamel that protects them from cavities and decay, without its protection you may soon begin to experience painful symptoms. So how does this occur? Let’s break it down.

The crown of your tooth is above the gum line and underneath the gum line is a layer called cementum which guards the tooth root. Subsequently, underneath the cementum and the enamel is dentin. Dentin is the hard and dense bony tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth just beneath the enamel. It’s less dense than the enamel and cementum, and when it loses its protective coating, heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods may reach the nerves inside the tooth, known as the pulp. The result is hypersensitivity.

These possible causes need to be addressed immediately:

• Gum disease
• Worn out tooth enamel
• Fillings that have expired
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Cavities or tooth decay
• A tooth root that is exposed

Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity

1. Root canal – If sensitivity persists, you may be suffering from a dying tooth. As a result, your dentist might recommend this procedure to treat and eliminate the problem.
2. A crown, bonding, or inlay – These procedures are used to correct a flaw or decay,. However, it’s important to note that over time they may result in sensitivity if worn down.
3. Surgical gum graft – If the tissue of the gums has been lost from the root, a gum graft aims to cover the exposed tooth root with grafted oral tissue.
4. Desensitizing toothpaste – This typically requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced. The toothpaste contains compounds that aid in blocking the transmission of sensation from the surface of the tooth to the nerve.
5. Fluoride gel – An in-office technique that shores up tooth enamel and reduces transmission of sensations to the gums and teeth.

A visit to Malden Dental in LaSalle, Ontario will help you identify why your teeth are acting so sensitive. Dr. Jacobs and his skilled team will guide you towards better oral health by lessening the painful causes of your vulnerable teeth. Contact his office today. He is ready to care for your dental needs!