Teeth are made up of several layers. On the outside is enamel, the hardest, most durable part of the body. Enamel forms a protective cover around the dentin layer which appears above the surface of the gum. Dentin below that gum’s surface is covered by cementum, which forms a hard coating over the root of the tooth. Buried in the dentin layer is the tooth’s pulp, which is made of connective tissue and cells.

Within the dentin layer there are tiny dentinal tubules that carry a plasma-like fluid. When dentin becomes exposed to the environment, the resulting stimulation of this fluid can trigger the nerves in the tooth’s pulp. The resulting pain is known as tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life. They may prevent them enjoying their food or even restrict what they can eat.

The pain from sensitive teeth can be triggered in a number of different ways. Extremes of temperature, such as drinking hot coffee or eating ice-cream, can cause pain. Foods that are particularly sweet or sour can also lead to tingling nerves in the tooth pulp.

Worn enamel is another possible cause of sensitive teeth. Enamel can become worn as a result of aging, scrubbing too hard with a toothbrush, or repeated nocturnal acid reflux. Some types of food can also cause acid erosion. Many fruits, vinegar, and wine are very acidic. The acid in these foods softens the tooth enamel, which can then be more easily eroded during brushing. Over time the protective enamel layer becomes thinner, exposing more of the dentin layer underneath. Worn enamel cannot be replaced naturally by the tooth. The worn enamel coating will require to be treated by a dentist. In very extreme cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Sensitive teeth are not a sign of neglect. In fact, they can be a sign of tackling a dental care regime with too much enthusiasm. Brushing too hard or using a brush with hard bristles can erode the tooth enamel, exposing the dentin layer and causing sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be treated with home treatments or may require the intervention of a qualified dental practitioner.

Home treatments include special toothpastes designed to strengthen and protect sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These compounds work in different ways to reduce sensitivity. Potassium nitrate calms the nerve-endings which cause pain, while strontium chloride forms a protective barrier over the dentinal tubules.

Dental practitioners can treat extremely sensitive teeth by applying a dental sealant. Dental sealants form a thin, protective coating on the tooth which will last for 5 to 10 years. Alternatively, a dentist may apply potassium nitrate or fluoride topically to desensitize the dentin or decrease its permeability. Low level laser therapy has also been shown to reduce tooth sensitivity.

It is always good practice to have a qualified dental practitioner determine the cause of sensitive teeth because it can be the sign of tooth decay or gum disease, which require the intervention of a dentist.

Jauch Dental offers gentile, modern dental care. If you need a good Dentist in Buffalo NY or a Dentist in Amherst NY, check them out!

Jauch Dental offers gentile, modern dental care. If you need a Dentist in Buffalo NY or Amherst NY, check them out! http://www.dentistbuffalo.com

Author Bio: Jauch Dental offers gentile, modern dental care. If you need a good Dentist in Buffalo NY or a Dentist in Amherst NY, check them out!

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Dental Care, Dentistry, Sensitive Teeth