About Sensitive Teeth

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Dentinal hypersensitivity is defined as pain arising from the exposed dentine or inner layer of the tooth. This occurs when the tooth enamel is lost and, or the gums recede. This condition normally affects the facial surfaces of the teeth and is common in the premolars and canines. That sharp pain can arise from cold, touch or sweet drinks and food. This response varies in different individuals depending on their pain tolerance, emotional state and other factors.

Possible causes

According to Dr Ajeet Singh BDSc (Queensland) FDSRCS (Eng) Specialist Oral Surgeon/Implantologist, an exposed dentine arises from gingival recession, or in layman’s terms, gum shrinkage. This, in turn, is caused by:

·        Aggressive brushing and  excessive flossing. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush can damage the tooth’s protective enamel.

·        Poor oral hygiene. This can lead to plaque build-up around the teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can contain the bacteria responsible for causing gum recession.

·        Tooth grinding. People who grind their teeth tend to experience a higher incidence of dentinal hypersensitivity because the continuous grinding action wears down the enamel to expose the dentine.

·        Diet. The citric acid in citrus fruits dissolves enamel, stripping away the tooth’s protective smear layer.

Home remedies for relief

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste. These special toothpastes, which can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy, contain ingredients that diminish sensitivity by filling channels (known as tubules) in the dentine.
• Try a fluoride rinse. Fluoride can help decrease sensitivity, especially for people plagued with decay problems.
• Keep your teeth clean. Brush at least twice a day, preferably right after eating and especially before bed, and floss at least once in between brushes.
• Use s soft toothbrush. Use a brush with the softest bristles you can find, and apply only a small amount of pressure when brushing.
• Limit your consumption of acidic food. Try not to brush right after eating such foods as their acid content tends to strip away the tooth’s protective layer.

Expert Strategy

If needed, your dentist can recommend different tooth brushing methods and advise you on the appropriate dietary factors. “If home care is not successful, then professional treatment will be needed and administered at the dental clinic,” says Dr Ajeet Singh. “The next course of action is topically applying desensitizing agents. Certain tooth-colored filling materials and resins can also be used to coat the exposed dentine. Other treatment options may include iontophoresis and lasers. In very severe cases, gum surgery can be done to cover the exposed root surfaces.”

(Source: Shape)