Sensitive teeth can be caused by cavities or tooth decay, but it also might be a sign of a more serious problem.
Sensitive teeth can making drinking hot coffee or biting into cold ice cream a painful experience. Mouth pain from hot and cold foods — or even brushing and flossing — is a common problem your dentist can help you address.
THE CAUSE
Sensitive teeth can be caused by cavities or tooth decay, but it also might be a sign of a more serious problem, according to the American Dental Association. Fractured teeth, gum disease, worn fillings, an exposed tooth root and worn tooth enamel are all potential causes for that uncomfortable, painful feeling.
The pain is usually associated with a problem in the structure of your tooth. Deep inside each tooth is a layer of material called dentin that helps to protect the tooth’s root. Dentin is usually covered by other layers of protection on the outside of your tooth — enamel above the gums and cementum below them — that help to keep the dentin from being exposed.
Sometimes, the outer layer of protection that surrounds the dentin becomes damaged or wears away. When that layer thins, temperature changes or chemicals from food touch the dentin and work their way directly to the nerve cells and roots of the tooth.
Tooth sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored because it’s usually the symptom of your tooth’s structure breaking down in some way. A dentist can uncover the cause and recommend a solution to make your life more comfortable and keep your teeth healthier.
TREATING SENSITIVE TEETH
Sensitive teeth can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. Here are a few possibilities from the American Dental Association:
• Desensitizing toothpaste: Contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel: An in-office technique that strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding: May be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft: If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal: If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist might recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
