Dental Topics What is Cosmetic Dentistry? Veneers Tooth Whitening/Bleaching Dental Phobia Tooth Sensitivity Dental Implants Don’t Use Teeth as a Tool Bad Breath Senior Dental Health Dental Health New Year Resolution Minimal Tooth Removal Importance of Maintenance Appointments High Tech Dental Procedures Dental Information

Tooth Sensitivity
The Wisdom Tooth by Wynn H. Okuda, D.M.D.

So there you are, minding your own business, and drinking a Strawberry smoothie. All of a sudden…. Ouch! Your tooth feels really sensitive. So you drink and chew on the other side of your mouth, hoping the sensitivity doesn’t return. What does this mean? Should you just get a toothpaste for sensitivity and consider yourself healed?

Don't be fooled! Tooth sensitivity is not merely a condition in itself to treat. Often it is a symptom with underlying causes. Tooth sensitivity may occur when your teeth come in contact with cold, hot, sweet, or sour substances. In addition, pain when chewing, toothbrushing, or even sensitivity to breathing air may have more underlying causes that can be problematic. Many people try their best to ignore this sensitivity, and just chew on the opposite side. It's important to let your dentist know of these symptoms so he or she may assess your situation or the problem may become progressively worse.

One cause of sensitivity could be a tooth fracture or crack, or even a fracture or crack in a restoration. In addition, tooth sensitivity could also be a sign that a cavity has developed, or in fact, root exposure could be causing the source of your problem. In these situations, various dental procedures, including a restoration (filling or a crown), may be needed to correct the problem.

With an increase of stress in our daily lives, there has been an increase in "bruxism", or the grinding of teeth. Teeth grinding over a period of time can cause the wearing away enamel on the biting surfaces of teeth. When bruxism occurs during sleep, a person is unaware of the damage that is chronically occurring night after night. After years of grinding, this may lead to severe pain in all teeth. For these situations, your dentist may recommend a preventive approach to correcting these problems.

The solution may include the use of a "bite splint" or a "night guard". This can be similar to the mouth guards that athletes wear when playing contact sports. This custom-made acrylic resin guard is used as a shield between the upper and lower teeth. Therefore, as you grind your teeth in your sleep, this bite splint will help protect your teeth. This is especially important to wear when delicate restorations, such as veneers, are present.

Another cause of tooth sensitivity may be due to vigorous tooth brushing. Using a "hard" bristled brush or applying too much pressure when brushing may result in the gradual wearing down of tooth enamel. Always use a "soft" bristled brush. Save the hard bristled ones for scrubbing the sink. Use gentle pressure, and circular movements on your teeth. Consult your dentist or your dental hygienist for more information.

Finally, advertising claims of toothpastes for sensitive teeth are not completely wrong. In many people, situations will occurs where some of the protection offered by tooth enamel is lost. Because of this, the nerve-filled tube-like structures within each tooth ("tubules") are exposed to temperature and air, and a feeling of sensitivity results. What a toothpaste for sensitive teeth does is coat these tubules to minimize its nerve exposure. So while this is a temporary solution for some, it may not work for everyone. Ask your dentist if this toothpaste is appropriate for you.

So the next time you're drinking that smoothie and your teeth feel sensitive, don't immediately reach for that toothpaste for sensitive teeth! It’s wise to mention your condition to your dental hygienist or dentist at your next appointment, so they can determine exactly what’s going on. Many people just want to ignore tooth sensitivity, however, it’s always better to be informed about your dental health.