Psst—here’s some time sensitive information just for you. If your teeth are sensitive to heat, cold, sweets, acidic foods, wind and/or air, it could mean it’s time to see your dentist!
Normally, we don’t notice how external conditions affect our teeth at all. Tooth enamel—the hardest substance in the body—protects the inner tooth from outside stimuli. So, why do strong, solid teeth suddenly feel sensitive? The answer’s found in tooth anatomy.
The crown of the tooth, the part we can see above the gum line, has three distinct layers.
- Enamel, a strong mineral-rich coating, surrounds the outside of each tooth and protects the dentin and pulp inside.
- Dentin is the softer, porous middle layer of the tooth. Dentin contains thousands of tiny, fluid-filled tubules which extend to the pulp.
- In the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which keep the tooth alive and healthy.
The roots below the gumline have a similar structure, with one important exception.
- Cementum, which is not as hard and strong as enamel, covers the root surface instead of enamel.
Healthy, undamaged teeth allow you to enjoy an icy beverage, a hot latte, a sweet treat, or a brisk walk without any dental discomfort.
When the tooth’s protective enamel covering is worn or damaged, the dentin below the enamel is exposed to external conditions. Temperature changes, air, wind, sweets and acids—all the stimuli which normally have no effect on our teeth are now transmitted through the dentin’s tubules to the nerves inside the pulp.
The pulp’s nerves respond to these sensations by sending out pain signals. The uncomfortable tooth sensitivity which results is often described as an annoying twinge, a sharp, brief stabbing pain, or a shocking sensation.
The first step in treating dentin exposure is to see your dentist to discover the cause. Tooth sensitivity could be the result of:
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing is great! Over-aggressive brushing? Not so much. Heavy-handed brushing and brushing with anything other than a soft-bristled brush can wear down mineral-rich tooth enamel to expose the dentin underneath, and is even more damaging to less-mineral-rich cementum.
Diet
An acidic or sugary oral environment harms enamel. Consuming acidic foods and beverages erodes the minerals which make enamel so strong. Sugars give plaque bacteria the perfect fuel they need to produce enamel-eroding acids.
Cavities
The bacteria in plaque create acids which strip minerals from tooth enamel. Over time, a hole in the enamel develops, uncovering the sensitive dentin below.
Injuries
A crack or fracture can expose dentin, or, in severe cases, tooth pulp, to foods, heat, cold, and air.
Tooth Grinding
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, often takes place during sleep, and can apply over a hundred pounds of pressure to the teeth and jaws. Continuous grinding and clenching wears away tooth enamel, exposing dentin. Bruxism can also cause chipped and cracked teeth, as well as jaw damage and even tooth loss.
Malocclusion
Occlusion refers to the way our teeth and jaws fit together. In a healthy occlusion, the forces of biting and chewing are evenly distributed. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause excessive or uneven pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and more serious bite problems.
Just as there are many causes for tooth sensitivity, your dental team in Aventura, FL has many solutions to restore your comfortable, healthy smile.
Choose the Right Products to Protect Your Smile
- If you’re not using a soft-bristled brush, trade in your old model ASAP, or try an electric toothbrush. Bonus: Electric toothbrushes and water flossers can be especially helpful for cleaning around your braces!
- There are special toothpastes which are formulated to reduce sensitivity.
- Fluoride treatments can help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Talk to your orthodontist, dentist, or hygienist to learn the best ways to brush and the best products to use to protect your dental health and your tooth enamel.
Eat a Dental-Healthy Diet
- Cut down on acidic and sugary foods and drinks to protect your tooth enamel. And, of course, stick with your braces-healthy diet by removing sticky, crunchy, hard, and chewy items from the menu.
- Check ingredients. The amount of acids and sugars in foods like sodas and sports drinks could surprise you!
- If you do eat something acidic, don’t brush right away—rinse with water and wait an hour to give your enamel time to restrengthen and remineralize.
See Your Dentist Regularly
- Regular exams will discover any cavities before they become deeper and more damaging. Proactive care will also help keep your orthodontic treatment plan on track.
- Gum disease can cause gum recession, exposing those sensitive, cementum-covered roots. Your dentist will look out for any signs of early gum disease and offer tips for gum health.
- If you suspect you have an injured tooth, call Drs. Margo Brilliant, Jeff Rothenberg, and Daniel Meister immediately to prevent more serious damage or infection.
Protect Your Smile from Trauma
- A custom-fitted nightguard can prevent enamel erosion and other damage caused by bruxism.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or activities to protect your teeth from injuries.
- If you’re wearing traditional braces, your dentist can customize a nightguard or mouthguard which will work with your braces.
Create a Healthier Smile with Orthodontic Treatment
- If you suspect a bite problem is causing wear on your teeth, it’s time for an orthodontic consultation with Brilliant, Rothenberg & Meister! Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth and jaws properly, which means that your teeth will fit together without causing any extra wear on your enamel or exposing the sensitive dentin underneath.
- Preventing worn enamel is, of course, only one benefit of orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of cavities. Treatment can prevent dental injuries caused by excess pressure and stress. And there’s no underestimating the value of a confident, healthy smile!
If you’re feeling sensitive, especially if discomfort persists or worsens, see your dentist to discover the cause of the problem. Tooth sensitivity is time sensitive. Take care of small problems before they become serious ones, and you’ll help make sure your smile is something you’re not the least bit sensitive about!