July celebrates National Ice Cream Month! That means now is the time to discuss sensitive teeth. According to the American Academy of Dentistry, about 40 million American adults experience tooth sensitivity. After all, you should be screaming for ice cream, not because your teeth hurt when you eat it!
The outer part of the tooth contains the protective layer known as enamel. Inside the tooth is a softer layer called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings, leading to the pulp in the very center of the tooth. When enamel wears aware or gums recede, dentin becomes exposed, making teeth susceptible to sharp pain and sensitivity from hot, cold, or acidic elements.
Feeling sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at anytime from a variety of causes. Pain that doesn’t subside within a couple days should prompt a visit to the dentist. In order to get to the root of the problem, the dentist will examine your mouth and ask about your symptoms.
- Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard can wear down tooth enamel and cause gums to recede, both of which can lead to tooth sensitivity. If the bristles on your toothbrush fray rather quickly, you might be brushing with too much force. Opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Bleaching: It’s not uncommon to experience some tooth sensitivity during or right after whitening your teeth. The chemicals in certain bleaching agents can penetrate the tooth’s surface, causing pain and discomfort.
- Bruxism: Grinding your teeth can erode the enamel and even cause it to crack. Not only can you suffer from sharp pain associated with tooth sensitivity, but bruxism can cause constant aching of the jaw.
- Cracked Fillings: Even a hairline crack in a filling can expose the soft layer (dentin), causing intense pain. It can also allow bacteria to seep into the tooth’s pulp and cause an infection.
- Dental Treatments: It’s normal to experience temporary tooth sensitivity following certain dental procedures such as bleaching, crowns, and fillings.
- Gum Disease: Excessive buildup of plaque and tartar can erode enamel and cause gums to recede. Bacteria from this buildup can lead to an infection (gum disease), resulting in inflammation and deterioration of the tissue and bones supporting the teeth.
- Receding Gums: As you age, your gums naturally recede. For some people, genetics is a factor. Gum recession is also a common symptom of gum disease.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are holes in the teeth, and the longer they go untreated, the larger they can get, affecting the inner layers of the tooth. Teeth with deep decay can cause severe pain.
Once your dentist has diagnosed your cause of tooth sensitivity, you can begin a treatment plan to beat the pain. Some common and less invasive treatments include: desensitizing toothpaste (hi, Sensodyne), fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, and sealants to add a protective layer over the tooth. In more severe cases of tooth sensitivity, a root canal or gum graft might be needed to eliminate persistent pain.
Here are some tips to avoid or minimize tooth sensitivity:
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks (bye-bye, soda).
- Protect your teeth with fluoride treatments.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste, which is less abrasive than other types.
If you are expressing tooth sensitivity, or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.