04 Dec A Delicate Touch – Overcoming Tooth Sensitivity to Cold

Tooth sensitivity is a very common complaint, especially during the winter months. A recent study in the United States showed that one in eight people suffers from over-sensitive teeth. They found the condition to be most common in young adults, women and people who had receding gums or did at-home tooth whitening. Sometimes tooth sensitivity is a relatively easy problem to solve, for example, the patient merely brushing their teeth too hard or consuming too much wine or citrus drinks. But other times tooth sensitivity is a warning of a deeper problem that may require a trip to the dentist.

THE CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY

There are many reasons for someone to develop tooth sensitivity. People whose teeth are sensitive feel pain when they are brushing or when they eat or drink something that is very hot, or, more commonly, very cold. The example probably everyone can relate to is ice cream. Also, simply being outside on a frosty morning and breathing in the cold air can be enough to send your teeth into a sensitive shiver. Typically pain from sensitivity is sharp and sudden but subsides quickly. The cause of the sensitivity is usually near the gum line where the tooth dentin may be exposed due to a receding gum line. Dentin is a soft layer that makes up the inner part and roots of the tooth. It consists of thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center. These channels allow the trigger – that mouthful of mint chocolate chip ice cream – to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the sharp and sudden pain you feel.

Normal wear and tear can cause tooth sensitivity.  Such as grinding your teeth – whether consciously or unconsciously while you sleep –  damages the enamel, as does eating food and drinking beverages with a high acidic content, like citrus fruits. Tooth-whitening products can also cause tooth sensitivity if overused or improperly used.

Your teeth may be sensitive because you just had some dental work done, for example, a teeth cleaning or tooth restoration. It isn’t unusual for the sensitivity in the affected tooth or teeth to linger for 4 to 6 weeks before dissipating entirely.

THE SIGNS OF DECAY

A suddenly sensitive tooth can be a symptom of a more deep-rooted problem. With tooth sensitivity, you may be developing tooth decay near the gum line. If you see no decay on top of the tooth, you might not be aware a cavity exists, but decay can create tiny holes in the enamel near the gum. If left untreated this can lead to gum disease called gingivitis as inflamed and sore gums pull back and expose the roots of the tooth. Other reasons for seeing your dentist for tooth sensitivity include a cracked or broken tooth, which may fill up with bacteria or plaque and cause a painful inflammation, a loose filling or an improperly fitting crown.

THE SOLUTIONS TO SENSITIVITY

Don’t be alarmed; there are many painless and effective ways to control sensitive teeth. Brush and floss regularly. Use proper brushing and flossing techniques to gently but thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth. Ensure to only use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth, for example, Sensodyne, or you may need to try several brands to find the product that works best for you. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse daily can decrease sensitivity. Wear a mouth guard to protect from night-time teeth grinding. Most importantly, avoid consuming large amounts of acidic food and drinks, and, when in doubt, keep it tepid – consume no food or drink of extreme temperature, whether hot or cold.

As always, paying a regular trip to the dentist is always the safest option. Visiting the dentist at least once a year is necessary, while every six months is recommended. If you are experiencing pervasive tooth sensitivity, your best bet is to visit your local dentist right away where they can prescribe an effective and painless procedure to help you. Such a procedure may include applying a fluoride varnish or dentin sealer to the exposed root surface, or covering the exposed root entirely with a protective white filling.

Don’t suffer tooth pain unnecessarily. At True Dental, we are not only experts in dentistry but experts in customer care. Our standard is to treat every one of our patients as if they were a member of our own family. Whatever the cause of your tooth sensitivity, we have the solution. Get in touch with us today; we’d love to hear from you.