What Causes Tooth Sensitivity, and How to Avoid it?

Did you know that one in every eight adults suffers from tooth sensitivity? 

The dentists call it dentin hypersensitivity, but to patients, sensitive teeth usually mean sharp and uncomfortable pain in their mouth. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be managed. 

Sensitivity usually appears when you:

• Bite into things
• Brush or floss 
• Breathe cold air
• Eat or drink cold, hot, sour, acidic, or sweet foods. Ice cream is one example of such food.

Tooth Sensitivity: It's All About the Dentin 

Your teeth are made up of four dental tissues: enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. The dentin is that part of the tooth found below the enamel and cementum. It is characterized by microscopic tubules (canals or small hollow tubes).  

Now, when the dentin loses its protective covering (Cementum and enamel), the tubules allow cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, causing sensitivity. 

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Worn-down enamel 
• Gum recession 
• Tooth decay or plaque build-up
• Gum disease 
• Aggressive brushing 
• Damaged or fractured teeth
• Use of acidic mouthwash or tooth-whitening products
• Grinding your teeth 
• Damaged fillings 
• Dental procedures (usually temporary and lasts between 4-6 weeks)

Sensitive Teeth and Age

Teeth sensitivity can occur at any age. That said, according to a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, adults aged between 20 and 50 years are more likely to experience teeth sensitivity, with dentin hypersensitivity peaking in patients aged between 30 and 40 years.

While the real reason for this is unknown, it could be linked to the fact that the tooth's physical structure changes with age. For example, wear and tear on the tooth enamel is known to occur over time. And if you look at it from another perspective, older people are more likely to have receding gums, a common cause of sensitive teeth.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Although you can't restore the enamel you have worn away, below are ways you can protect the enamel you currently have – as well as prevent tooth sensitivity. 

1. Brush your teeth gently

Many people believe that the harder they brush their teeth, the cleaner they will be. Visit any of the top dentists in Palo Alto, and they will advise you against doing that. 

The truth is brushing your teeth too hard can actually wear down the protective enamel and also cause gum recession. When your enamel wears away, it exposes your dentin and eventually the nerve endings, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity. Thus, brushing gently and using softer strokes is the way to go. 

2. Avoid acidic foods and drinks

Some foods are more likely than others to cause tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods and beverages erode the enamel, hence causing sensitivity. 

Examples of acidic drinks and foods to avoid are:

• Vinegar
• Citrus
• Carbonated drinks

3. Unclench your teeth

If you are one of those people who experience elevated stress levels, you might find yourself grinding your teeth repeatedly. This wears your enamel and leaves the more sensitive layers of your teeth exposed. Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth by pointing out the stressors in your life.  

4. Wear mouthguards

Alternatively, if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, consider wearing mouth guards. Mouthguards cushion your bite and prevent the tooth structure from wearing away. Instead of grinding your teeth and eroding your enamel, you will grind against the protective material. 

5. Stop bleach treatment temporarily

Continued dental whitening might cause hypersensitivity. If you're using at-home treatments, consider discontinuing them for a week or so until the sensitivity subsides. If you're getting your teeth professionally whitened from your Palo Alto dentist, let them know if you're experiencing sensitivity during or after the procedure so they can recommend relief gels.

6. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Using toothpaste designed specifically for treating tooth sensitivity can help relieve some of the symptoms. Most of these toothpaste brands feature an ingredient that momentarily fills the tubules in your dentin and enamel. This minimizes the amount of exposure your teeth's nerves are exposed to.

7. Dental procedures

Tooth sensitivity can also be relieved by certain dental procedures. For example, if your nerve endings are exposed, your doctor may use a special resin to cover the exposed dentin. If you suffer from gum recession or gum disease, a surgical gum graft can shield or cover exposed roots. 

Alternatively, your dentist can also relieve sensitivity by filling a cavity or carrying out a root canal to remove decay or infection.

Ask your Palo Alto Dentist About Sensitive Teeth

Seeking the best dental care in Palo Alto, CA can be the ultimate prevention tip for sensitive teeth. Your dentist is best positioned to advise you on what your options are when it comes to treating tooth sensitivity. But above all, maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, and implement as many of the above tips as possible.