Sensitive Teeth & Sensitive Tooth Treatment In Brampton

Dr. Sonia Sharma

Question: From the last few years, my teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive to foods, hot and cold drinks. I have tried different home remedies but did not get any relief. Recently, my tooth sensitivity has increased to the extent that I am even scared to drink water. – Anurudh Bali, Mississauga

Dr. Sharma: Everyone has experienced a sensitive tooth. Actually, some level of sensitivity is considered normal since teeth are enervated with pain nerves. However, when teeth become abnormally sensitive, a cause is usually detected. The most obvious source is dental decay, which destroys enamel and dentine, causing pain reaching the nearby pulp nerves. Obviously, the treatment here is to remove the decay and replace it with a restoration (filling). It should be stressed that teeth are often sensitive after being restored or placed with a filling. Filling is a process by which your dentist removes the bacterial decay and places the tooth like dental composite resin in its place. This process temporarily irritates the pulp (nerve). Some time several weeks are required for the tooth to heal itself. Another source of sensitivity occurs when enamel is lost due to tooth chipping due to an accident or injury thereby exposing the sensitive dentin below. Where nerve endings are present. Enamel can also be lost from excessive bruxing or grinding of the teeth, or from diet rich in acids such as carbonated beverages and most citrus fruit drinks, that dissolves enamel.  One more common cause is recession of the gums (gingiva). Brushing too vigorously, and improperly will lead to the eventual loss of some gingiva and/or enamel, thereby exposing the root where nerves are again irritated; cold air or liquids will irritate these areas. This type of sensitivity is becoming more common as people become more conscious of there dental health. You should only brush with a toothbrush made of mild or medium bristles.

Tooth sensitivity can be successfully treated. Your dentist may recommend an approach that can be tried at home, such as desensitizing toothpastes. These toothpastes are often helpful. They contain compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing toothpastes, 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 in the dentin or reduce the ability of the nerves to transmit pain. Your dentist may try some in-office techniques if desensitizing toothpastes are not helpful. Fluoride treatments 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. Another agent that blocks the transmission of sensations is called oxalate. Accepted strontium chloride gels may also be topically applied to the teeth.

Another option is for your dentist to seal the sensitive areas with one of a number of dental materials. A sealant (a plastic material that’s painted onto the teeth) or resin (a tooth-colored restorative material) may be tried. If the sensitivity is a result of gum recession, your dentist may use materials (called dentin bonding agents), which are made to bond directly to the tooth root.

Like any other medical problems, prevention is the best cure. Use of soft bristle tooth brush, improvising the brushing technique, reducing the use of dietary acids or rinsing the mouth with water after drinking orange juice or pop as well as regular check up by a dentist are some of the prevention that can help you enjoy your favorite foods for many years to come.

Please remember that the information is provided as general information. It is NOT intended to replace professional care. Since every patient and every case may vary, consult your physician or dentist for advice on your particular situation.

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