Seattle Top Dentist Explains Tooth Sensitivity

 Causes and Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity in Auburn

Are Your Teeth Sensitive To Cold?

If you have ever wondered why it’s hard to drink a glass of ice water without a straw or bite into a spoonful of ice cream, you have come to the right place.  There are several factors that can contribute to cold sensitive teeth.  It helps to have a clear picture of the anatomy of a tooth and how it communicates information to your brain.

The Nerve

The underlying or biological cause of cold sensitive teeth starts in the nerve of your tooth. The nerve is located in the center of the tooth and exists in a substance called the pulp.  The pulp is composed of blood vessels, nutrient chambers and nerve tissues.  The nerve of your tooth is connected to a much larger branch of nerves that lead to the brain and this is how sensory information is sent to your brain.

The Dentin

The dentin is the next layer out from the nerve.  This layer of hard tooth structure is full of small micro-tubules that communicate sensory information from your mouth to the nerve.

The Enamel

This is the outermost layer of your tooth and it is the white part of your tooth you see when you look into your mouth.  This layer of tooth is a buffer between the porous dentin and the elements of your mouth.  This part of your tooth has no feeling.

The Dentin

The dentin is the next layer out from the nerve.  This layer of hard tooth structure is full of small micro-tubules that communicate sensory information from your mouth to the nerve.

The Enamel

This is the outermost layer of your tooth and it is the white part of your tooth you see when you look into your mouth.  This layer of tooth is a buffer between the porous dentin and the elements of your mouth.  This part of your tooth has no feeling.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin becomes exposed.  Typically dentin is covered by enamel and protected from the elements of the oral cavity.  Dentin has microscopic pores or channels that contain fluid and nerve endings.  When your teeth are exposed to temperature fluctuations, sweet or acidic foods or other physical stimulus, the fluid in the dentin channels moves and causes the nerve endings to react in response, triggering a twinge of discomfort or a short, sharp pain.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when dentin becomes exposed.  Typically dentin is covered by enamel and protected from the elements of the oral cavity.  Dentin has microscopic pores or channels that contain fluid and nerve endings.  When your teeth are exposed to temperature fluctuations, sweet or acidic foods or other physical stimulus, the fluid in the dentin channels moves and causes the nerve endings to react in response, triggering a twinge of discomfort or a short, sharp pain.

Tooth Sensitivity: The Most Common Reasons

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth with a hard toothbrush or using too much pressure can cause excessive wear on the enamel over the years.  It also can overstimulate your gum tissue and cause gum recession.  When the enamel begins to thin, the dentin becomes exposed.  Dr. Marie Durflinger, a Seattle Top Dentist practicing in Auburn, WA, evaluates your teeth and gums for this type of wear at every examination.  If you have gum recession or enamel wear caused by an improper toothbrush technique there are things that can be done to restore these areas.  Tissue grafting, fluoride treatments or conservative composite bonding are some of the options available.

Teeth Grinding

If you have spent years clenching or grinding your teeth, you may have gum recession or micro-fractures in your teeth.  Clenching and grinding puts a large stress load on your teeth and gums and over time and the bodies natural response to this excessive stress is gum recession.  When your gums recede, dentin tubules are exposed leading to sensitivity.  In addition, the enamel micro-fractures caused by clenching and grinding can create access points for over-stimulation of the nerve.  If you have sensitivity at the gumline of your teeth, you may clench or grind even if you don’t think you do.  Dr. Marie Durflinger at Auburn Family Dental is a cosmetic dentist, general dentist and treats clenching, grinding and TMJ issues.  If you think you may have gum recession, Dr. Marie Durflinger can help resolve the side effects and restore your teeth to the naturally good feeling teeth you deserve.

Gum Disease (periodontal disease/gingivitis)

Gum disease has many stages and most of them have permanent destructive qualities.  Most people have heard of gingivitis.  Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is marked by inflammation of the gums.  When inflammation of the gums is left untreated (you can tell you have it if your gums are puffy or bleed when you floss), it leads to a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease sets in when the inflammation of your gums (gingivitis) progresses and spreads to the surrounding tissues to include the bone and ligaments holding the teeth in the tooth socket.  When this happens, the bone starts to deteriorate and the gums recede which can lead to gum-line sensitivity.  Dr. Marie Durflinger, a Seattle Top Dentist, has has a periodontal dental hygiene team capable of diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal diseases.  If you think you may have gum disease related sensitivity, call today for an examination.  (other symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, bleeding gums,, sore or itchy gums and red inflamed gums).

Acid Exposure

Do you like carbonated beverages?  Do you drink energy drinks?  Do you like citrus fruits?  These are items that are highly acidic.  The enamel of your teeth can be chemically worn by acidic substances.  If you frequently consume acidic substances, you may be at risk for tooth sensitivity (and cavities).  As the enamel wears in response to acidic substances, the dentin tubules are more directly accessed and the nerve becomes activated easier.  Acid exposure can come from within as well.  Eating disorders and acid reflux disorders can cause stomach acid to enter the oral cavity.  This can also lead to enamel wear and sensitivity.

Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Tooth decay is another common cause of sensitivity.  When you develop a cavity it is usually not sensitive until it fully penetrates the enamel and enters the dentin.  Once in the dentin, it is often cold and sweet sensitive.  It is important to have decay repaired before it gets too deep otherwise you may also need a root canal.  If you think you may have a cavity, Dr. Marie Durflinger, a Seattle Top Dentist, has been practicing for over 25 years in Auburn, WA and Bellevue, WA.  She and her staff are highly experienced in detected cavities and tooth decay early and restoring teeth to their natural and healthy state.  Call today for an examination 253-833-2200.

 This entry was posted on Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at 9:45 am and is filed under Tooth Aches. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site. 
  
Comments are closed.