Know the feeling: tooth sensitivity can get worse

Definition Tooth sensitivity — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. This occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, thus, reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. Tooth sensitivity affects up to 57% of the population.

5 signs & symptoms If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Cause

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, including: 1.Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively

2.Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages 3.Tooth erosion due to bulimia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 4.Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed.

Diagnosis Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. If you brush your teeth incorrectly, or over-brush, your gums may become sensitive. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine.

Prevention Brushing properly twice daily for 2 minutes with toothpaste that does not have high levels of abrasives, and flossing once a day, can help reduce the chance of tooth sensitivity. A diet low in acidic foods and drinks also helps prevent tooth sensitivity.

Treatment

In addition to recommending toothpaste without high levels of abrasives, your dentist may prescribe an at-home, brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse, or high fluoride level toothpaste specially formulated to make your teeth less sensitive and provide extra protection against decay. Other treatments — such as fluoride varnishes — can be painted onto the teeth to provide added protection.

What Can Be Done? If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area. However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures: o Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin o Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas o Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity.

At Home:

o Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste o Brush correctly and do not over brush o Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth o Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface. There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help – do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is. Related conditions There are several conditions which can cause pain, but which are not tooth sensitivity: Dental caries

chipped tooth

Leakage around restorations External tooth bleaching