Dentin Hypersensitivity
(Sensitive Teeth)

About Dentin Hypersensitivity

Dentin Hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) affects one out of every four adults. It can cause severe pain and discomfort on a daily basis. Having sensitive teeth makes enjoying your favorite hot or cold foods close to impossible. Most commonly, teeth become sensitive because the gums begin to recede. As the recession of the gums occurs, tooth roots are exposed. When these roots come in contact with hot or cold liquid, air or food, temporary tooth discomfort or pain occurs.

Causes of Dentin Hypersensitivity

Your gums and tooth enamel protect the porous part of your tooth, called dentin. The following exposes that dentin, resulting in sensitivity:

• Poor oral hygiene. Plaque builds up around the gums, hardens to tarter and a bacteria in the tarter causes gum recession.
• Improper brushing. An estimated 50 percent to 90 percent of people brush with too much pressure. Repeating this over time can cause gum tissue recession.
• Tooth abrasion from using a hard-bristle brush.
• Periodontal (gum) surgery.
• Enamel corrosion caused by chemical agents.
• Bite problems.
• Trauma.
• Medical conditions: chemotherapy, bulimia and radiation therapy.
• Clenching or grinding the teeth.

Prevention

• Gently brush for two to three minutes twice daily to remove the plaque that builds on your teeth and promotes sensitivity.
• Reduce pressure when brushing. Use a circular motion with gentle pressure.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a mechanical brush designed to minimize abrasion.
• Floss the 40 percent of tooth surfaces that can't be reached by a brush at least once daily.
• Apply fluoride gels daily.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup or as prescribed.
• Eat a good diet. Eat plenty of protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Limiting the intake of foods high in sugar reduces the risk of tooth and gum decay.

Treatment

The pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity isn't always constant. Usually sensitive teeth have occasional flashes of pain. Constant pain could be a more serious problem. Visit your dentist to determine your treatment, which may be as simple as:

• Using a softer bristle brush.
• Using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth containing strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. You may need to try different brands before finding one that works for you.
• Using fluoride mouthwashes and gels that help to strengthen the tooth and block nerve sensation.
• Avoiding tartar control or whitening toothpaste. They can increase your level of sensitivity.

Depending on severity, a dentist has several other options:

• Oxalate compounds can be rubbed on the root to reduce or even eliminate sensitivity.
• Bonding agents can be applied to close the pores of the tooth root.
• A root canal therapy can be performed, or a crown can be placed on your teeth.
• A bite appliance can eliminate the effect of tooth grinding or clenching.

Saving Your Teeth

Don't let this condition continue without seeing your dentist. It is important that there is a proper diagnosis for the appropriate treatment. Failing to treat your sensitive teeth can lead to tooth and gum disease or even tooth loss. Many people simply use the highly advertised "sensitive teeth" toothpaste, which, if used for an extended period of time, can start to mask more serious problems.