We can all suffer from sensitive teeth at some point in our life from a mild twinge to an electric shock when eating ice-cream. But what causes sensitivity? Lots of things can cause sensitivity but generally sensitive teeth tends to be more common in older people, generally happening over the age of 30.
What causes the feeling of sensitivity?
Covering your teeth is a hard outer shell called the enamel, enamel is the hardest substance in your whole body! It covers the whole of the tooth above the gum level but underneath that the tooth surface is different and not as tough this is called the dentine.
Dentine has tiny tubes called ‘tubules’ that lead to the nerve and are filled with fluid. These are like pathways to the nerve of the tooth, telling them ‘ouch’.
Eating or drinking things that are hot, cold and sometimes sweet can cause a chemical change. This change can trigger what a nerve reaction which you experience as sensitivity.
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How the dentine becomes exposed?
Brushing- bad brushing techniques like scrubbing the teeth can cause the gums to recede and expose the dentine.
Gum Disease- Gum disease (known as gingivitis) causes inflamed and sore gum tissue. A sign you might be at risk of gum disease is if your teeth bleed when you brush. If left untreated gingivitis can cause the gums to recede causing sensitivity.
Acidic foods- If the pathways to your nerves are exposed then you might be surprised to find your teeth being sensitive to things like citrus fruits, pickles, tomato sauce, grapefruit, kiwi, and vinegars.
Whitening Toothpastes- Sometimes some of the tooth whitening pastes and polish are too abrasive. They are supposed to work by rubbing away surface stain. But this can also lead to rubbing away the enamel (which is the whitest part of the tooth) and exposing- yep you guessed it more dentine. Dentine is actually much darker than enamel so you could find that using these toothpastes your teeth actually become more darker.
A Cracked Tooth- When there is a crack in the tooth then everytime you eat or drink there is a direct path to the nerve of your tooth. This will require advice and treatment from your dentist.
Tooth Decay- dental decay will eat through the enamel and the dentine of the tooth exposing all of the dentine tubules and saying ouch probably every time you eat, drink or chew.
How to manage sensitivity
Step 1
Regular flossing and brushing your teeth as instructed will help to make your feel healthy all the time so you are less likely to feel that your teeth need ‘a good scrub’. Following this hygiene routine you prevent the risk of over brushing and the risk of gum disease.
Step 2
Use a toothpaste suited your needs. Using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitivity will help to alleviate the symptoms of sensitivity. All sensitive toothpastes work in different ways so if you find one that works stick with it if you dont then try another for 2 weeks.
Step 3
Follow the instructions on the toothpaste and mouthwash! Nobody ever read the instructions on toothpaste boxes right? We know because a large amount of patients we see will rinse out after using the toothpaste and a lot of sensitive toothpastes ask you not to.
Step 4
Always use a soft or medium toothbrush, hard toothbrushes are unnecessary and just work at brushing away your gums. Using an electric toothbrush such as a Philips Sonicare toothbrush will limit your chances of overbrushing.
Step 5
See your dentist for regular check ups. They can check the most likely cause of sensitivity and advised you on areas that you may be over or under brushing. They’ll also instruct you on the best dental hygiene routine is and advised you on sensitivity.
If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what you do see your dentist for an evaluation. They will be able to check the cause offer some guidance and reassurance. There are also treatment available at your dentist they may offer if you have tried all of the at home solutions.
Have a questions about sensitivity and would like some help? Get in touch with our friendly team by clicking here.
