TOOTH sensitivity — also known as dentin hypersensitivity — affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces.

The inside of your tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of your tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of your tooth is protected by a layer of cementum.

Dentin hypersensitivity or nerve irritation occurs whenever dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, exposing the nerve endings to hot, cold, acidic, or sticky foods. Tooth sensitivity affects up to 57 per cent of the population.

CAUSES OF SENSITIVE TEETH

Sensitive teeth can be caused by the following dental issues:

• Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush and using a hard grip while brushing aggressively;

• Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages;

• Tooth decay, worn and leaky fillings and broken teeth that expose the dentin of your tooth;

• Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed;

• Grinding your teeth at night; and

• Post-dental treatment sensitivity — common, but temporary — especially with procedures such as crowns, fillings and tooth bleaching.

Brushing

Brushing shortly after an acid challenge can cause the enamel to be more easily worn away as, during this time, the enamel is softened and more vulnerable. Brushing too vigorously can also cause receding gums, causing further exposure of the dentine.

Gum disease

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, causes inflamed and sore gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is when gum disease gets worse and damages the tissues and bones that support the teeth. One sign of periodontitis is sensitive teeth, as the receding gums leave dentine exposed.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding

If you grind your teeth when you sleep or during the day, or if you clench your teeth, you may be wearing down enamel and exposing the underlying dentine layer of your tooth.

Receding gums

Receding gums

Receding gums can be caused by conditions such as gum disease, which can expose the tooth’s dentine and cause sensitivity. Brushing too vigorously can also cause receding gums.

SIMPLE STEPS TO MANAGE SENSITIVE TEETH

SIMPLE STEPS TO MANAGE SENSITIVE TEETH

• Practise good oral hygiene (including proper brushing and flossing) to help prevent conditions such as gum disease, which can cause receding gums.

• Use a toothpaste specially formulated to treat the pain of sensitive teeth.

• Don’t brush too hard.

• Use a soft toothbrush, preferably one designed especially for sensitive teeth.

• Avoid acidic foods that can wear away tooth enamel, such as wine, vinegar, salad dressings and soft drinks.

• Avoid grinding your teeth or clenching during the day. Ask your dentist about a mouth guard for night-time use.

• See your dentist for regular check-ups, dental care recommendations and advice for your sensitive teeth.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at theDental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology,Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710 or visit the websitewww.dentalplace4u.com.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the

Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 1

0. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology,

Jamaica, School of Oral Health Scie

nces. She may be contacted at 630-4710 or visit the website

www.dentalplace4u.com

.