“Dentinal hypersensitivity” is one of the most common dental complaints.
1 in every 5 adults suffer from sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can start hurting as early as in your 20s
The teeth most commonly affected are canines and premolars
2. What causes teeth to be sensitive?
To understand tooth sensitivity, one needs to understand the anatomy of the tooth first. The outer layer of the tooth is called the enamel. This forms a bullet proof coating over the underlying sensitive part of the tooth called the dentin. Contained within the central core of dentin lies the pulp chamber containing a tiny nerve, artery and vein. From this central pulp chamber millions of tiny nerve ending travel through microscopic tubules throughout the dentin and terminate at the dentin-enamel junction i.e. just beneath the bullet proof enamel. These tiny tubule nerves are actually surrounded by a cushion of fluid. Think of it as millions of microscopic fluid filled straws each containing a tiny nerve.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the bullet proof enamel is lost causing exposure the dentin and the tiny nerve endings. Temperature changes like cold and hot or ph changes like sweet and sour foods cause the fluid in the tubules to move. This fluid movement tugs on the tiny nerves causing sensitivity and pain.
Abnormal tooth dehydration can also cause tooth sensitivity. This occurs with the use of tooth whitening/bleaching agents. This is temporary as the sensitivity dissipates as rehydration occurs. Those suffering from dry mouth can therefore also suffer from sensitivity.
All forms of treatment are designed to SEAL the microscopic tubules (dentin pores) thereby preventing nerve irritation and sensitivity. It has been shown that with regular use, toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or a prescription level of fluoride can help seal the dentin pores. There are also professional products available that your dentist can apply to the affected area.
Please note: The application of these desensitizing agents is addressing the symptoms and not the cause of your tooth sensitivity.
Treatment would include a thorough dental evaluation and treatment of any cavities and/or gum disease. If your tooth sensitivity is associated with clenching/grinding, the use of a night guard or now the more popular anterior deprogrammer is highly recommended. For immediate relief, the professional application of a desensitizing agent is available.
One of the most common readily available products is Sensodyne Toothpaste and the name brand toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Its is the opinion of dentist.net that over the counter products containing potassium nitrate appear to be more effective than the fluoride containing toothpastes. Please keep in mind that these toothpastes are to be used for only 2-3 weeks at a time as essentially these are numbing toothpastes.
NEW SENSODYNE FRESH IMPACT Introducing revolutionary, new desensitizing toothpaste that combines paste and gel, and is proven to keep breath feeling fresh for hours
SENSODYNE continues to deliver proven efficacy, now in a fresh, new flavor and breath – enhancing formula
Increases flavor concentration by 25% for great new Taste
Contains maximum strength pain-relieving KNO3 as in all SENSODYNE products
More young adults prefer a paste/gel toothpaste combination than any other age group
A new generation of toothpastes has recently been launched and is gaining momentum not only to treat tooth sensitivity from a more natural route but research is promising in its anti-cavity fighting capabilities. These remineralization toothpastes are showing evidence of being able to reverse small cavities.