Did You Know??

· Sensitivity is one of the most common complaints adults have about their teeth

· According to data, 1 in 3 adults in India suffer from tooth sensitivity

· Tooth sensitivity can be caused by simple teeth grinding, loose or missing fillings and crowns or even acidic foods

· Although tooth sensitivity can be seen in people of all ages, it is more often found in people in the 20 and 40 age group

· Women have been found to be more susceptible to sensitivity

· Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65 causing sensitivity

· It is estimated that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. Over weeks, months and years of brushing they remove significant tooth tissue as well as gum tissue exposing the inner portion of the tooth and exposing the roots

· Temperature changes like cold and hot or pH changes like sweet and sour foods cause the fluid in the tubules to move. This fluid movement tugs on the tiny nerves causing sensitivity and pain.

Most common symptom

Sharp or shooting pain caused while eating hot or cold, sweet or sour food is the most common symptom of tooth sensitivity

What is sensitivity of teeth?

Our teeth are made up of three layers. The outermost layer which covers the upper half of the tooth is called enamel and the layer which covers the root section of the tooth is called cementum. The layer beneath these is called dentine. This is not as mineralized and is less dense than the outer layers and more importantly it contains thin tubes which connect it to the soft portion of the tooth which contains nerve endings. Dental sensitivity is a condition that arises when this inner layer called dentine is exposed.

What are the causes of tooth sensitivity?

· Abrasion caused by improper brushing habits, vigorous brushing or improper flossing techniques

· Tooth decay, fracture of teeth

· Recession of gums

· After periodontal (gum) surgery

· Sudden temperature changes

· Formation of gaps under fillings and crowns

· Deep cavities in teeth which require root canal treatment

· Teeth grinding

· Excessive intake of cold/ aerated drink

· Improper oral hygiene

· Dental bleaching

Tooth Sensitivity can be prevented

The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is to keep your gums healthy by reducing the pressure you use while brushing, use a soft toothbrush and to maintain good oral health habits. Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes, not the usually 30- 45 seconds that most people brush.

Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces.

Sensitive teeth can be treated

Depending on the cause, your dentist may suggest that you try a desensitising toothpaste which contains compounds that help block sensation travelling from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitising toothpaste usually requires several applications before sensitivity is reduced.

If the desensitising toothpaste does not ease your discomfort then your dentist may suggest a fluoride gel or special desensitising agents that may be applied to sensitive areas of the affected teeth. When these measures do not correct the problem, your dentist may recommend other treatments such as a filling, a crown etc depending on what is causing the sensitivity.