Psst—here’s some time sensitive information just for you. If your teeth are sensitive to heat, cold, sweets, acidic foods, wind and/or air, it could mean it’s time to see the doctor!

Normally, we don’t notice how external conditions affect our teeth at all. Tooth enamel—the hardest substance in the body—protects the inner tooth from outside stimuli. So, why do strong, solid teeth suddenly feel sensitive? The answer’s found in tooth anatomy.

The crown of the tooth, the part we can see above the gum line, has three distinct layers.

• Enamel, a strong mineral-rich coating, surrounds the outside of each tooth and protects the dentin and pulp inside.
• Dentin is the softer, porous middle layer of the tooth. Dentin contains thousands of tiny, fluid-filled tubules which extend to the pulp.
• In the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which keep the tooth alive and healthy.

The roots below the gumline have a similar structure, with one important exception.

• Cementum, which is not as hard and strong as enamel, covers the root surface instead of enamel.

Healthy, undamaged teeth allow you to enjoy an icy beverage, a hot latte, a sweet treat, or a brisk walk without any dental discomfort.

When the tooth’s protective enamel covering is worn or damaged, the dentin below the enamel is exposed to external conditions. Temperature changes, air, wind, sweets and acids—all the stimuli which normally have no effect on our teeth are now transmitted through the dentin’s tubules to the nerves inside the pulp.

The pulp’s nerves respond to these sensations by sending out pain signals. The uncomfortable tooth sensitivity which results is often described as an annoying twinge, a sharp, brief stabbing pain, or a shocking sensation.

There are several potential causes of dentin exposure, including:

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing is great! Over-aggressive brushing? Not so much. Heavy-handed brushing and brushing with anything other than a soft-bristled brush can wear down mineral-rich tooth enamel to expose the dentin underneath, and is even more damaging to less-mineral-rich cementum.

Dental Products

Some mouthwashes, rinses, and whitening treatments containing alcohol or bleaching agents can cause temporary sensitivity, especially when there’s exposed dentin.

Cavities and Damaged Restorations

The bacteria in plaque create acids which strip minerals from tooth enamel and cementum. Over time, a hole in the tooth surface develops, uncovering the sensitive dentin below. When fillings or crowns loosen or suffer damage, the dentin surface underneath is exposed to air and temperature changes.

Injuries

A crack or fracture can expose dentin, or, in severe cases, tooth pulp, to foods, heat, cold, and air.

Diet

An acidic or sugary oral environment harms the protective surfaces of the teeth. Consuming acidic foods and beverages erodes the minerals which keep enamel and cementum strong. Sugars give plaque bacteria the perfect fuel for producing their erosive acids.

Tooth Grinding

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, often takes place during sleep, and can apply over a hundred pounds of pressure to the teeth and jaws. Continuous grinding and clenching wears away tooth enamel, exposing dentin. Bruxism can also cause chipped and cracked teeth, as well as jaw damage and even tooth loss.

Malocclusion

Occlusion refers to the way our teeth and jaws fit together. In a healthy occlusion, the forces of biting and chewing are evenly distributed. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause excessive or uneven pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and more serious bite problems.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession exposes the tooth’s root, which is covered with softer cementum, making it more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.

Just as there are many causes for tooth sensitivity, your dental team at Alexander Pritsky, DMD Dental Implants and Periodontics has many solutions to restore your comfortable, healthy smile.

Choose the Right Products to Protect Your Smile

• If you’re not using a soft-bristled brush, trade in your old model ASAP, or try an electric toothbrush.
• There are special toothpastes which are formulated to reduce sensitivity.
• Talk to your dentist or hygienist to learn the best ways to brush and the best products to use to protect your dental health and your tooth enamel.
• Ask your dental team to recommend less acidic mouthwashes and whiteners designed for more sensitive teeth.

See Your Dentist Regularly

• Regular exams will discover any cavities before they become deeper and more damaging.
• Your dentist can set broken restorations to rights by creating a new filling or crown.
• If you suspect you have an injured tooth, call your dentist immediately to prevent more serious damage or infection.

Eat a Dental-Healthy Diet

• Cut down on acidic and sugary foods.
• Check ingredients. The amount of acids and sugars in foods like sodas and sports drinks could surprise you!
• If you do eat something acidic, don’t brush right away—rinse with water and wait an hour to give your enamel time to strengthen and remineralize.

Protect Your Smile from Trauma

• A custom-fitted nightguard can prevent enamel erosion and other damage caused by bruxism.
• If you’re concerned about your bite, ask your dentist for an orthodontic referral.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or activities to protect your teeth from injuries.

Guard Your Gum Health

• Regular exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease.
• Bonding and sealers can be used to cover and protect exposed root surfaces.
• See the doctor if your dentist recommends more specialized treatment for gum disease.

The first step in treating sensitivity caused by dentin exposure is a visit to your dentist to diagnose the source of your discomfort, because, sometimes, tooth sensitivity is caused by something more serious than dentin exposure.

Persistent, painful sensitivity can also be a symptom of periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. Because periodontitis attacks the bone and tissues holding teeth in place, a periodontist, a specialist trained in the treatment of the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone surrounding the teeth, is uniquely qualified to design a treatment plan to keep your smile its healthiest.

Periodontal treatments include oral and topical antibiotics, deep cleaning in the form of scaling and root planing, and oral surgeries such as flap surgery and bone and tissue grafting for more advanced gum disease. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, so it’s essential to seek care from an expert in gum health in Fresno, California as quickly as possible if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease.

Tooth sensitivity is time sensitive. Take care of small problems before they become serious ones, and you’ll help make sure your smile is something you’re not the least bit sensitive about!