Sensitive Teeth

Do You Suffer from Sensitive Teeth?

When you drink something hot or cold, or eat something sweetor sour - simply touch your teeth with a fork or toothbrush - do you ever feel a sudden painful sensation? It's not a constant pain; it comes and goes. It may be due to sensitive teeth.

Your're not alone. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. Some estimates are as high as 45% of the Canadian adult population. Unfortunately, many people do not bring this matter to the attention of their dentists.

Talk to your dentist

If you suspect you have sensitive teeth, the first thing to do is discuss it with Dr. Lee. She can identify if it's sensitivity or something more serious. If it is sensitivity, Dr. Lee will discuss its causes and ways to treat it.

The causes of sensitive teeth

There's more than one theory about what causes sensitivity. But many in the dental profession believe the problem starts when the dentin of the tooth is exposed. Dentin is the porous part of the tooth below the protective enamel covering. This exposure can happen in many ways, some which include:

	Brushing too hard along the gum line
	Recession of the gums
	Gum disease (gingivitis)
	Periodontal treatment
	Fractured or chipped teeth
	Tooth wear at the gum line
	Teeth clenching or grinding

Once the dentin is exposed, so are tiny fluid-filled tubes (known as tubules) that make the dentin porous. These tubes, now exposed directly to the mouth, connect back to the centre of the tooth where the nerve is located. Then, hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods or drink - or even touch - can trigger movement of the fluid in the tube, which excites the nerve. The resulting sensation can be as mild as a tingly sensation or as intense as a sharp pain.

 

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