Why You May Have Sensitive Teeth

What to Know About Sensitive Teeth and How to Treat Them

Some of us experience pain when we eat or drink hot or cold foods like ice cream, hot coffee, or soup. Additionally, some of us may experience similar pain when we floss or brush our teeth. While this pain may not be overwhelming or unbearable, it can make enjoying certain foods or practicing proper oral hygiene more challenging and can be a sign of sensitive teeth. Sensitivity of the teeth can be caused by a number of different factors – here is what you need to know about sensitive teeth.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Healthy teeth have a hard coating of enamel that helps protect the crown of the teeth or the part of the tooth above the gums. Under the gums, the teeth are protected by a layer called cementum, which protects the teeth’s roots. Under both of these protective layers is a substance known as dentin – dentin is not as dense as the protective layers and also contains tubules or canals. When the harder outer layer is worn away or the gums have receded—exposing the dentin—it can allow cold, hot, or acidic substances to touch the nerves inside the teeth, which can be the cause of the sensitivity.

Some of the possible causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay or cavities
• Exposed tooth roots
• Worn tooth enamel
• Worn fillings
• Fractured teeth

How to Treat Sensitive Teeth

For those of us who suffer from teeth sensitivity, there are some treatments available to help ease the pain, depending on the reason for the teeth having sensitivity:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: This type of toothpaste contains a mix of substances that can help block the spread of sensation from the tooth’s surface to the nerves. It usually requires multiple uses before the toothpaste takes effect and the sensitivity is reduced.
• Root canal: Should the sensitivity be persistent and/or severe and not treatable using other methods, a dentist may recommend a root canal to eliminate the problem.
• Fluoride gel: Fluoride gel can be applied in a dental office and helps to strengthen the teeth’s enamel and reduce the transmission of sensitivity to the nerves.
• Gum graft: Should the sensitivity be caused by a receding gum line, a surgical gum graft may be performed to help protect the tooth’s root and also reduce sensitivity.

If you're experiencing sensitivity in your teeth or just need a routine trip to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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