Dr. John Poirier, DMD, P.A.

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

If your teeth become sensitive to brushing, flossing, heat, cold or certain foods, the discomfort can interfere with your enjoyment of daily activities. You may have a common problem called dentin hypersensitivity, or "sensitive" teeth.

Causes Of Sensitivity

Teeth become sensitive when the dentin (the tooth layer covered by enamel under the crown and by cementum under the root) becomes exposed. The microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes) found in dentin are then exposed, allowing sensations of heat and cold or acidic foods to stimulate the nerves and cells within the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity (excessive sensitivity).

Cementum may become exposed when gums recede due to age or gum disease. The result can be hypersensitivity near the gum-line. Vigorous tooth brushing the gum margin can also cause the enamel to thin, exposing the cementum.

Treatment

Hypersensitivity can be treated. We may recommend an approach that can be tried at home, such as desensitizing toothpaste. These toothpaste are often helpful. they contain compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing toothpaste, which usually contain strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, may require numerous applications before sensitivity is reduced. These products will either seal the exposed tubule openings or reduce the ability of the nerves to transmit pain. When choosing dental products, look for those that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

We may also try some in office techniques if desensitizing toothpaste are not helpful. Fluoride varnish may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth. The fluoride binds to the tooth and reduces the transmission of sensations through it. Fluoride strengthens the enamel by helping the damaged tooth to re-mineralize.