Sensitive Teeth

Risk Factors

Several things can contribute to developing sensitive teeth, such as:

• Improper tooth brushing – brushing too hard or too much, using a hard bristled toothbrush, pushing the toothbrush against teeth and gums too hard, or brushing side to side (instead of in gentle circles). This can also contribute to gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Consuming a lot of acidic food and drinks – the acid from certain foods and drinks (e.g., citrus fruit, some types of berries, tomatoes, carbonated drinks, wine, tea, coffee) can wear down the enamel in teeth.
• Gum recession – when the gums pull back from teeth. This can be caused by a genetic predisposition, brushing too hard, or other dental problems.
• Periodontal disease – disease of the teeth and gums. Plaque and tartar build up on the teeth can cause gums to become inflamed and shrink back.
• Tooth grinding – clenching the jaw and grinding teeth together either unconsciously or while asleep
• A broken tooth or filling – this allows bacteria and food to become lodged in the sensitive areas underneath the enamel
• Using tooth whitening products – the chemicals in many of these products wear down enamel
• Age – sensitive teeth can happen from the teenage years until old age, but is more common in people ages 20-40
• Regular mouthwash use – some mouthwash products contain acidic ingredients which can contribute to enamel loss
• Recent dental procedures – temporary tooth sensitivity can occur after tooth cleanings, fillings, or other procedures

Diagnosis

The dentist can usually diagnose the cause for tooth sensitivity during examination and tooth cleaning.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the reason for tooth sensitivity. Some possibilities include:

• Using a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing with an over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste twice daily is often helpful. Some dentists recommend spreading toothpaste over teeth using a finger or cotton-tipped bud before bed.

For more serious cases of tooth sensitivity, treatment at the dentist’s office may be required. For example:

• Applying a fluoride treatment at the office.
• Using sealant materials to protect exposed surfaces of teeth.
• Using dental bonding (tooth coloured resin) to seal exposed areas of the tooth

Prevention

There are several ways to help prevent sensitive teeth, including:

• Regular dental exams including a scale and polish
• Using a fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste
• Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush in a gentle circular motion
• Flossing regularly
• Avoiding food or drinks which make sensitivity worse
• Considering a mouthguard or dental splint to decrease night-time tooth grinding
• Waiting 30 minutes to an hour after eating meals to allow enamel that may have been softened by foods to harden again
• Not rinsing after brushing. This allows the fluoride in toothpaste to soak into the enamel and provide better protection

If sensitive teeth are a symptom of periodontal disease, leaving it too long before can lead to more extensive treatment.