Tooth sensitivity is actually really common.
It normally feels like a sharp flash of pain and discomfort when teeth are exposed to air or food that is either cold, hot, acidic or sweet. It usually passes quickly. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during brushing, eating fruit straight out of the fridge or even just breathing in air. In fact 50% of sensitivity sufferers do not report their pain to their dentists according to a study by Colgate but there are many ways of helping to prevent and treat it.
Normally, enamel protects the underlying layer of dentine, which is softer than enamel. The tooth roots are protected by gums. If the enamel is worn down or if the gum line has receded, then the dentine becomes exposed and left unprotected. The dentine is connected to the nerve by little channels called tubules. When left exposed, these tubules allow heat, cold, acid or even sticky substances to reach the nerve and stimulate a sharp pain.
Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush. This can wear down the enamel, exposing dentine and encourage gum recession.
This occurs with age, have you have heard the phrase ‘getting long in the tooth’? This leads to exposed root surfaces and unprotected dentine.
Gum disease can lead to gum recession and exposed dentine.
Tooth wear caused by consuming acidic foods and drinks, a diet high in fibre and nuts or even teeth grinding or clenching (which may occur more in these stressful times) leaves the tooth surface exposed.
This is where the enamel minerals of the tooth can dissolve away leaving the dentine exposed. Unfortunately, some healthy foods such as citrus fruits can cause this as well as fizzy drinks. It is best to brush after breakfast as many people drink fruit juices which will soften the enamel.
Gum recession often looks like this, the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root.
Once the dentine is exposed it often makes the teeth look dark or yellowy but don’t worry this can be treated easily.
Betty Goldie
