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What is dentin hypersensitivity?
What are the main causes of sensitive teeth?
How do I avoid sensitive teeth?
What products are available to alleviate the symptoms
of sensitive teeth?
What is available for more severe sensitivity?
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Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary
or acidic foods and drinks and vigorous toothbrushing. This kind
of sensitivity is often called "dentin hypersensitivity".
Your dentist or hygienist can recommend a treatment or products
that can help overcome the problem. |
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What is dentin hypersensitivity?
This term refers to the painful sensation that results from exposed
dentin in your mouth.
Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Above
the gumline, dentin is covered by a protective coating of enamel.
When enamel is worn away or decayed, dentin eventually becomes
exposed and receptive to sensations which cause painful nerve
responses. Dentin exposure and pain can also occur when roots
are exposed, as the result of gum recession.
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What are the main causes of sensitive teeth?
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Over-zealous brushing with
a hard toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste. |
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Periodontitis (or gum disease)
can contribute because it may expose the roots of the teeth.
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Your diet will also play
a role - frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks,
such as citrus fruits and carbonated (including diet) drinks,
can chemically dissolve enamel over time, resulting in exposed
dentin |
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Abnormal wear on tooth surfaces,
which often result from stress - like chronic clenching or
grinding of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard objects,
can wear away enamel to expose the dentin |
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How do I avoid sensitive teeth?
Maintenance of healthy gums is the best way to protect tooth dentin
from exposure. The seal made between healthy gums, teeth and underlying
bone provides protection by keeping highly sensitive root surfaces
covered.
Proper brushing and flossing are the basis for a good oral care
routine.
However, overly vigorous brushing, with a hard-bristled toothbrush
and/or an abrasive toothpaste may wear tooth enamel and can cause
gum recession.
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What products are available to alleviate the symptoms of sensitive
teeth?
A desensitizing toothpaste should be used with a soft-bristled
toothbrush. Sensitive toothpastes reduce the pain of sensitive
teeth normally after only a few days of use, and continued protection
is provided by regular use.
Oral-B provides a regular, manual sensitive
toothbrush and an extra-soft
brushhead refill for the Oral-B range of power toothbrushes.
Both brushes have ultra-soft, end-rounded bristles that are specially
designed to be gentle on sensitive tissue.
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What is available for more severe sensitivity?
Your dentist may recommend in-office treatments or dispense special
home care products for you to use.
In particular, the application of fluoride directly to the sensitive
areas of the teeth, is known to be a good desensitizing agent
that forms a protective barrier for exposed dentin. Ask you dentist
or hygienist about products, such as Oral-B STOP® Gel, a fluoride
gel that is brushed directly onto the affected area with a toothbrush
to reduce symptoms.
Fluoridated sealants are one of the many treatments used for more
advanced sensitivity conditions.
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