Sensitive Teeth: What Is It & What Helps?

Sensitive teeth are a fact of life for nearly 40% of the worldwide adult population. Sometimes, this problem appears after certain dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, or other restorations. In such cases, sensitivity doesn’t usually last long. 

But if tooth sensitivity becomes a daily occurrence and doesn’t disappear on its own, it’s important to get it checked so the problem doesn’t interfere with your quality of life. Let’s look at what causes sensitive teeth and what can be done about it.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, which is also known as dentin hypersensivity, is a term that describes the feeling of discomfort and/or pain some people experience when their teeth come into contact with certain things, including:

• Hot or cold food and/or beverages.
• Acidic food and/or beverages.
• Pressure.
• Exposure to cold air.

Dental sensitivity is often experienced as a sharp and sudden pain, although pain levels vary from person to person and also during the course of the condition. In some cases, the problem may start as discomfort and become more severe over time, interfering with routine activities like eating and drinking. 

Medical studies have found that adults between the ages of 20 and 50 are more likely to experience this problem, although the condition is more common in the 30 to 40 year-old age group. 

What causes teeth to become sensitive?

Enamel erosion is the main reason behind sensitive teeth. The dental enamel sits on top of the dentin, a layer of tissue located between the enamel and the cavity where dental nerves are. The enamel acts as a protective layer that keeps the dentin away from direct exposure to changes in temperature or pressure. 

In healthy teeth, the dentin is covered by protective tissue, so the exposure to pressure, hot or cold temperatures doesn’t trigger any sensation of pain or discomfort. On the other hand, if the dentin becomes exposed due to enamel erosion, symptoms of teeth sensitivity are likely to appear. 

Risk factors

The enamel that protects the dentin is made of a very sturdy substance. With adequate dental hygiene and a healthy lifestyle with good oral habits, the enamel can stay in good condition for an entire lifetime. 

However, some people are at a higher risk of enamel erosion, which as we explained above, leads to dental sensitivity. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Having an aggressive toothbrushing technique and/or using a hard-bristled toothbrush for a long period of time.
• Using an abrasive toothpaste or teeth whitening products.
• Brushing the teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks.
• Using mouthwashes with acidic ingredients.
• The regular consumption of acidic foods or beverages.
• Bulimia.
• Bruxism or teeth grinding.
• Gum disease or gum recession.
• Tooth decay.
• Worn or cracked fillings.
• Having had periodontal treatment.
• The use of smokeless tobacco.

How is dental sensitivity diagnosed?

Having an accurate diagnosis is key, especially considering that the symptoms of dentin hypersensivity are similar to those experienced when you have a cracked tooth, an infection, or more serious diseases like pulpitis. 

If your teeth feel sensitive and the sensation doesn’t go away or gets worse, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

Dental professionals are trained to make accurate diagnoses, usually after asking some clarifying questions, looking at your dental history, and inspecting your teeth and gums. 

Sometimes, the dentist will use a syringe or an explorer tool that blows air and puts pressure into the teeth, to help them detect where exactly the pain is coming from.

What can help with the symptoms of sensitive teeth? 

If you are eventually diagnosed with sensitive teeth, there are a few things you need to know about the future management of this condition.

Enamel remineralization

First of all, if sensitivity is caused by enamel erosion, you need to bear in mind that worn enamel does not grow back, as it’s not living tissue. Obviously, this makes it even more important to do everything you can to take care of your smile and protect your teeth from enamel erosion.

Although you can’t re-grow lost enamel, there are treatments that can help re-mineralize it, providing the enamel with essential minerals that will help harden it and therefore lessen sensitivity. The process usually involves getting fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office, and you can boost the results by switching to a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash.

Desensitizing oral care products

In other cases, your dentist will recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste. These products block the nerve’s response to stimuli and usually contain potassium salt or arginine, with the latter appearing as more effective in clinical studies. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be consistent to start seeing a decrease in sensitivity.

Bonding

If none of the above helps, your dentist may suggest a procedure called bonding. This involves the application of a composite layer over the affected teeth. When the layer hardens, it provides extra protection to the dentin, reducing its response to stimuli.

The bonding procedure is done at the dentist’s office under local anaesthetic, and you can go home straight afterwards. Some studies have found that bonding is more effective than desensitizing toothpaste even for a period of up to six months. 

Dental lasers

Over the past decade, medical lasers have been used to reduce dental sensitivity with some success. When comparing the effectiveness of laser treatment vs. the use of desensitizing products, researchers found that laser seems to fare better, although their findings also revealed that the improvement is not permanent.

Final thoughts 

Remember that you don’t have to live with the symptoms of teeth sensitivity. There are different treatment options available, from in-office procedures to things you can do at home. These can make a big difference to your quality of life, so if sensitive teeth are an issue, don’t hesitate to have a chat with your dentist.