Tooth sensitivity is a real pain

Loss of enamel along the gum line — Too much clenching, grinding, and brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the thin enamel along the gum line. A layer of dentin sits beneath the tooth enamel. Dentin is similar to our bones in that it is hard but porous. It is made up of small tubules that serve as passageways to our teeth’s pulp and nerve. When exposed, they send pain signals to the nerve, indicating that the protecting enamel is no longer there.

Tooth decay – A little cavity in a tooth’s enamel is usually straightforward to treat, but if left untreated, it can cause terrible pain. It can cause pain once the decay has eaten through the enamel and into the dentin. If left untreated, it can reach the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, causing a continuous aching exacerbated by temperature variations from food or drink.

Teeth that are fractured or have worn or missing fillings — Liquids, saliva, and food can leak into the crack or hole of a cracked tooth, creating discomfort. Even a minor fracture can be excruciatingly painful.

Gum disease – Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede, exposing the cementum layer that protects the base of your tooth. Our teeth’s roots are much softer than the enamel that protects our teeth’s tops, making them more prone to decay. Gum disease causes the gums to recede, exposing this sensitive area, which can be extremely sensitive even to cold air.

Negligence and a lack of professional examinations – Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by neglecting your oral hygiene routine and failing to see a dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens into calculus, also known as tartar, when you don’t brush well or at all. Once this occurs, no amount of homecare will be able to reverse the situation. Gum tissue dislikes calculus and is unable to “breathe,” so it shrinks away from the base of the tooth, exposing the root to irritation and initiating the gum disease cycle.

Fortunately, there are a variety of simple, painless, and cost-effective treatments to address dental sensitivity. Your dentist may offer desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel as a first step to help relieve the pain, depending on the level of sensitivity and the cause. There are many on the market today, ranging in potency from over-the-counter to prescription-only. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may need to wear an appliance to avoid further damage to your teeth. To reduce sensitivity, more thorough procedures are sometimes required. To correct the condition, root canals, gum grafts, or a crown may be required.

Tooth sensitivity can sometimes be avoided entirely by using the softest toothbrush your dentist recommends. Brushing gently (not scraping) and flossing on a regular basis, as well as seeing your hygienist and dentist every six months, are all suggested. Your mouth can be pain-free and keep you smiling for years to come if you collaborate with your dental professionals.