| What
is dentin hypersensitivity? |
| What
are the main causes of sensitive teeth? |
| How
do I avoid sensitive teeth? |
| What
products are available to alleviate the symptoms
of sensitive teeth? |
| What
is available for more severe sensitivity? |
| |
| Teeth can be sensitive
to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary or acidic
foods and drinks and vigorous toothbrushing. This
kind of sensitivity is often called "dentin
hypersensitivity". Your dentist or hygienist
can recommend a treatment or products that can help
overcome the problem. |
|
|
| What is
dentin hypersensitivity? |
This term refers to the
painful sensation that results from exposed dentin
in your mouth.
Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each
tooth. Above the gumline, dentin is covered by a
protective coating of enamel. When enamel is worn
away or decayed, dentin eventually becomes exposed
and receptive to sensations which cause painful
nerve responses. Dentin exposure and pain can also
occur when roots are exposed, as the result of gum
recession. |
|
| What are
the main causes of sensitive teeth? |
 |
Over-zealous
brushing with a hard toothbrush and/or an
abrasive toothpaste. |
|
Periodontitis
(or gum disease) can contribute because it may
expose the roots of the teeth. |
|
Your
diet will also play a role - frequent consumption
of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus
fruits and carbonated (including diet) drinks,
can chemically dissolve enamel over time,
resulting in exposed dentin |
|
Abnormal
wear on tooth surfaces, which often result
from stress - like chronic clenching or grinding
of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard
objects, can wear away enamel to expose the
dentin |
|
|
|
How do I avoid sensitive teeth? |
Maintenance of healthy
gums is the best way to protect tooth dentin from
exposure. The seal made between healthy gums, teeth
and underlying bone provides protection by keeping
highly sensitive root surfaces covered.
Proper brushing and flossing are the basis for a
good oral care routine.
However, overly vigorous brushing, with a hard-bristled
toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste may wear
tooth enamel and can cause gum recession. |
|
| What products
are available to alleviate the symptoms of sensitive
teeth? |
A desensitizing toothpaste
should be used with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Sensitive toothpastes reduce the pain of sensitive
teeth normally after only a few days of use, and
continued protection is provided by regular use.
Oral-B provides a regular, manual sensitive
toothbrush and an extra-soft
brushhead refill for the Oral-B range of power
toothbrushes. Both brushes have ultra-soft, end-rounded
bristles that are specially designed to be gentle
on sensitive tissue. |
|
| What is
available for more severe sensitivity? |
Your dentist may recommend
in-office treatments or dispense special home care
products for you to use.
In particular, the application of fluoride directly
to the sensitive areas of the teeth, is known to
be a good desensitizing agent that forms a protective
barrier for exposed dentin. Ask you dentist or hygienist
about products, such as Oral-B STOP® Gel, a
fluoride gel that is brushed directly onto the affected
area with a toothbrush to reduce symptoms.
Fluoridated sealants are one of the many treatments
used for more advanced sensitivity conditions. |
| |
