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Quarterly Feature
Sensitive teeth? These tips might help.
Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.
Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth, called the "dentin," becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny channels that leading to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These channels allow the stimuli – such as hot, cold or sweet food or liquid – to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.
Some of the factors that may lead to sensitive teeth include:
- Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
- Tooth decay near the gum line.
- Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
- Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
- Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
- Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
- Tooth whitening products. These products may be major contributors to sensitive teeth.
- Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30 although not uncommon in older individuals as well.
- Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
- Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
- Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
- Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent tooth sensitivity. They include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
- Using a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line in order to avoid over-stimulating gum tissue. Over-stimulating will cause the gum tissue to recede away from the irritation exposing sensitive parts of the tooth.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip is to spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar-control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acidic foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
- Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
- Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night. Coverage for dental mouth guards is available under the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP).
- See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional teeth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition). And remember: Diagnostic and preventive services such as routine exams, x-rays and cleanings are covered under the TRDP at 100% of the program allowed amount with no applicable deductible or maximum and with no out-of-pocket costs when you see a TRDP network dentist—so regular dentist visits should be an important part of taking care of your overall health.
If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that can help reduce sensitivity.
Posted: October 26, 2012
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