What is Dentin Hypersensitivity?
Have you noticed that your teeth feel sensitive or even painful when you try to enjoy a hot or cold drink, or perhaps when breathing in on a cold, crisp winter’s day? You might have tooth sensitivity in Bowmanville, also known as dentin hypersensitivity.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Healthy teeth are covered with dental enamel, an extremely strong substance that protects them. Dentin lies directly beneath the enamel and is much softer. It consists of lots of tiny, tightly packed tubules leading directly to the tooth pulp in the centre of the tooth. The tooth, or dental pulp, contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
If tooth enamel is damaged or eroded, any hot, cold, sweet, or sour sensation can penetrate the dentin, travel through the tubules, and reach the tooth nerve. Consequently, teeth can twinge uncomfortably or even painfully.
Signs of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Various signs can indicate you have sensitive teeth, including the following.
- Shooting or sudden pain when consuming certain foods and drinks, especially anything hot or cold. Acidic foods and drinks can also have the same effect. Discomfort caused by dentin sensitivity can persist for some time afterwards.
- Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with cold water can cause pain or discomfort.
- Visible signs can include teeth that have cracked or chipped enamel.
- Gum recession can expose tooth roots that aren’t covered with enamel, therefore allowing unpleasant sensations to penetrate dentin more easily.
Factors That Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity
We know that tooth sensitivity can occur when the enamel becomes damaged, but this damage can result from various factors, some of which are outlined below.
- Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Scrubbing your teeth hard might seem the best way to get them thoroughly clean, but it could damage your tooth enamel. You can literally wear down your tooth enamel, and the same can happen if you use a hard-bristle toothbrush.
- Overusing Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening in Newcastle is extremely popular, and when products are used correctly, they can get great results. However, if you overuse teeth-whitening products, you risk damaging your tooth enamel. Instead of getting brighter and whiter teeth, you could end up with teeth that look dull, lifeless and grey and which become increasingly sensitive.
- Dietary Habits
Tooth enamel can erode when exposed to acid. The acid can be formed by bacteria found in plaque and tartar. These acids attack and weaken enamel, eventually exposing the dentin underneath and causing cavities. Acid erosion can also occur if you consume lots of naturally acidic foods and beverages.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar. It gradually destroys gum tissue, exposing the tooth roots, and one of the first signs is increased tooth sensitivity.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
If you have noticed your teeth feel more sensitive, book a checkup with our dentist in Clarington. We can conduct a dental exam, discuss your symptoms, and, if needed, provide a custom treatment plan to manage dentin hypersensitivity.
Possible treatments can include:
- Topical Fluoride. Topical fluoride applications to help reharden tooth enamel. Professional-strength fluoride is applied topically to tooth surfaces, helping to remineralize enamel.
- Dental Bonding. Dental bonding is the application of tooth coloured composite resin directly onto tooth surfaces. The resin hardens and can mend minor chips and cracks in tooth enamel.
- Periodontal Treatment. If you have gum disease in Courtice, we can provide treatment to help eradicate or control this condition.
- Root Canal Treatment. Root canal therapy may be necessary if the tooth nerve is severely inflamed and needs to be removed, so the tooth can be sealed and restored, usually by covering it with a dental crown.
