5 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity & How We Combat Them
Do you feel a zing of pain in your teeth when you sip a glass of cold water or lick a scoop of ice cream? Does the thought of eating something hot, cold or acidic send chills through your mouth? Well you are not alone! Many patients suffer from sensitive teeth regularly. There are a few factors that can contribute to teeth having prolonged sensitivity or even suddenly becoming sensitive. Check out these causes, symptoms & how we can help treat them.
1. Gum Recession:
One of the most common reasons I find patients have tooth sensitivity is because of gum recession from receding gumlines or gum disease. When the gums recede or move lower on the tooth over time, sensitivity may occur. This is because the root surface of the tooth is becoming exposed instead of being protected by the gum. This can occur slowly as we wear down our teeth from poor occlusion, bone loss, or even more rapidly from gum disease.
Treatment:
In office, we can treat gum recession in several ways depending on the severity and the root cause. Gum disease can be managed with proper homecare and help from our hygienists. If not related to gum disease, we have options ranging from a simple in-office de-sensitizer treatment, bonding, or even our Chao Pinhole Technique (www.drdalbon.com/gum-rejuvenation-chao-pinhole-technique/). Coming in and having a chat with Dr. DalBon and our hygienists can help determine what treatment would be right for you.
2. Cracked Tooth or Decay:
Sometimes a tooth can crack and cause small fractures or abrasions on your tooth. These small cracks, although hard to see, can cause a large amount of pain or sensitivity on the effected tooth and weaken the tooth. Another cause may be tooth decay causing pain and sensitivity. When acidic bacteria breakdown the tooth’s enamel, it causes a cavity, which may give you sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet.
Treatment:
Both conditions are determined through a diagnosis from the doctor and may require x-rays to be taken. Treatment such as a filling, crown or root canal could be necessary depending on the extent of the decay or fracture. It is best to get these taken care of sooner rather then later so that the condition does not get worse.
3. Weakened Enamel:
The enamel in your teeth can become worn down or weakened over time. This can be caused by many reasons such as brushing too hard, eating acidic foods, drinking sodas, or using too firm of a toothbrush. Weakened enamel may also be more prevalent in those who have gum recession and therefore have more unprotected or exposed root surfaces of the teeth.
Treatment:
Like gum recession, weakened enamel can be combated through a multitude of options both in-office and at home. Sitting with the hygienist can help determine what products you can be using at home to help build up and strengthen your enamel. Reviewing diet and discussing in-office sensitivity treatments can also help.
4. Teeth Whitening:
At home over-the-counter teeth whitening procedures can also cause tooth sensitivity. Even in-office procedures sometimes have this side effect. Teeth whitening works by opening the tubules in your teeth, allowing the whitening action to take place. This may also cause tooth sensitivity post-whitening when those tubules remain partially opened.
Treatment:
To combat this from happening with our in-office procedures, we make sure to review pre and post whitening instructions with all patients prior to our procedure. We also apply a professional fluoride treatment immediately after our whitening to negate any sensitivity they may develop. If you are dealing with it at home, there are several specialized toothpastes and rinses at home to use to make you more comfortable. Be sure to ask our hygienist about what she would recommend for you.
5. Clenching or Tooth Grinding:
Sometimes sudden sensitivity can be brought upon by stress or constant clenching or grinding of your teeth. These movements wear down the surface of the teeth and can even lead to worn down enamel and gum recession. Grinding or clenching can sometimes happen when our body has an excess of stress, malocclusion (jaw misalignment) or even as a result of some medications. You can even be unknowingly grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep which may be causing damage to your teeth.
Treatment:
If diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), we can help elevate symptoms by making a guard to help protect your teeth from any further damage or wear. This guard is a custom fitted device that will help relax the jaw and cushion the teeth, protecting them. Sometimes lifestyle and dietary changes can help reduce stress and tension in the jaw joints as well.
As you can see, there are many reasons for tooth sensitivity and many ways to combat it. If you suffer from painful tooth sensitivity, come in and mention it to our hygienists and the dentist so that we can help diagnosis the cause and help find you a solution. Call us today at 973-244-2424 and schedule your check up so that we can help you reduce or eliminate your tooth sensitivity today!