Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the dentin of a tooth is exposed.  If you look at the diagram of the tooth, you will see that the dentin is the middle layer that is covered by enamel above the gumline and by cementum below the gumline.  Dentin is made up of tiny channels called tubules that have nerve branches stimming from the tooth's nerve center - the pulp.  When the dentin is exposed, tooth sensitivity occurs. 

• Brushing too hard.  Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled tooth brush can wear away the enamel layer  and cause dentin exposure and also recession of the gums.
• Receding gums.  As gum tissue moves away from the tooth, the root surface becomes exposed.  Receding gums can be a result of periodontal disease as well.
• Cracked teeth.  An old filling with a crack or leak may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing inflammation.
• Grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel exposing the dentin.
• Excessive tooth whitening. 
• Poor oral hygiene.  Plaque build-up on the root surfaces causes sensitivity.
• Acidic foods or drinks.  The acidity causes enamel erosion.

Pulpal sensitivity occurs when the pulp is stimulated.  The pulp contains a mass of blood vessels and nerves that can be irritated by decay, infection, a recent filling, grinding or a cracked or broken tooth.  This type of sensitivity is normally localized to a single tooth.  If you experience cold sensitivity and it changes to hot sensitivity in a single tooth, the tooth's nerve may be dying.  To prevent pulpal sensitivity, you must get the needed treatment, in which root canal treatment would be necessary.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss daily.
• Use a flouride toothpaste.  Our office offers a prescription strength product called Flouridex toothpaste which is a 1.1% Neutral Sodium Flouride paste. 
• Prevent grinding with a night guard worn at night while you are sleeping.
• Professional teeth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions and flouride treatments should be received every 6 months or sooner. 
• Flouride Varnish can be applied by your hygienist after a cleaning.  This will help to protect your teeth, reducing sensitivity, and will also strengthen your teeth. 
• Use a flouride rinse that has a nuetral sodium flouride rather than an acidic base.

If you or someone you know are experiencing teeth sensitivity, you may want to decipher whether it is a general sensitivity or if it is occuring in a single tooth.  At your next cleaning, ask your hygienist about our Flouridex toothpaste and the Flouride Varnish treatments.  Our office is always available to answer any questions you may have at 321.259.0866.

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