Tooth Sensitivity

As a Dental Hygienist working at Smile Artistry, one of the most common questions I am faced with on a daily basis is, “Why are my teeth sensitive” and “Is there anything I can do to help relieve my sensitive teeth?”
Many adults suffer with sensitive teeth. The pain is short, sharp and often sudden and can be triggered by cold, hot or sweet foods and drinks, or even just breathing in cold air. Sensitive teeth are predominantly caused by gum recession. When gums recede the root surface of the tooth is exposed. Unlike the top of the tooth, this root surface is not protected by a layer of hard enamel and contains thousands of small tubules that lead to the nerve of the tooth. Stimuli such as hot, cold or sweet foods can travel through these tubules and cause pain, which we refer to as tooth sensitivity.
So what causes our gums to recede? There are many reasons why our gums may recede, brushing too hard, gum disease, age, grinding of teeth, adult orthodontic tooth movement, hereditary thin gum tissue or abnormal tooth position giving inadequate jaw bone coverage.
There are a number of things that can be done to help reduce tooth sensitivity. Firstly, it is important to brush twice a day with the correct brushing technique, always using a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, electric toothbrushes are recommended. Tooth sensitivity can be aggravated by acidic foods and drinks such as softdrink, juices, wine and citrus fruits. The acid acts to open the small tubules in exposed root surfaces so that stimuli such as cold or sweet can travel through to the nerve. Regular use of a desensitizing toothpaste will reduce tooth sensitivity over time. There are a number of different brands of these toothpastes and they work in different ways. Some work to numb tooth sensitivity, others work to block the tubules that run through to the nerve. I advise my patients to try a few and find which works best for them.
Tooth sensitivity affects a large number of my patients here at Smile Artistry. After giving my patient’s advice on how to reduce and relieve tooth sensitivity I always strongly recommend that they maintain their regular six month dental exam and clean appointments to ensure tartar is removed, gums stay healthy and any potential tooth problems can be addressed early.