Sensitive teeth: the why and the solution

Are you one of the many people who refuse ice water at restaurants or wait for their coffee cup to cool down before taking a sip so your teeth don't hurt? Or do you need extra care when brushing your teeth, flossing, or chewing?

Perhaps you have sensitive teeth, one of the most common causes of oral health complaints among patients. But there are several strategies you can use to get your smile back.

Sensitivity typically occurs when a tooth's dentin is exposed to heat, cold, or acid. Normally, sensitive dentin is protected by enamel above the gum line and cementum below it. However, if these protective layers are damaged or worn away, the result can be hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort.

The American Dental Association recommends that you discuss sensitivity with your dentist. Cavities, fractured teeth, periodontal disease, and exposed roots can all cause sensitivity. Teeth whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity.

Your dentist can review proper oral hygiene techniques with you, as over-brushing or poor oral hygiene can also cause or worsen tooth sensitivity.

Regular use of desensitizing toothpaste can help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing toothpaste usually requires several applications before sensitivity is reduced.

If desensitizing toothpaste does not improve your discomfort, your dentist may suggest in-office procedures. The use of laser beams and a high-concentration fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations, can be applied to sensitive areas of the teeth.

If the sensitivity is caused by receding gums, your dentist may use agents that bond to the root of the tooth to "seal" the sensitive tooth. The sealant is usually made of a plastic material.

Some sensitive teeth that do not respond to other treatments may require root canal treatment to eliminate the problem.