Sensitivity may be
loosely defined as the short sharp pain felt when something
touches the affected tooth. It usually occurs in response to
cold, hot, sweet, sour or touch. It is usually the response of
the exposed dentin to some irritant.
Dentin is
the underlying part of the tooth that is exposed when the
overlying enamel is lost. This may occur either due to
tooth-decay or to wrong brushing habits - leading to enamel
getting lost from that area and exposing the underlying dentin.
Another important cause of sensitivity is trauma to the tooth -
if any tooth is constantly being traumatized due to bite problems
or improper occlusion then that tooth is likely to become
sensitive.
People who tend to
consume a lot of aerated drinks (sodas) may also have sensitive
teeth. The acid in the drink tends to wear off the enamel and
then the underlying dentin gets exposed to the environment,
causing sensitivity.
Bad oral hygiene
that can cause severe gum infections can also present as
sensitivity. This is due to the irritation caused by the
infection of the gums at the root surface of the tooth.
The cause of
your sensitive tooth can be determined by your dentist:-
Visual
examination to find any decayed teeth, or teeth that have
been worn out at the gum margins by wrong brushing
habits.
X-rays can
help to detect teeth that are constantly under trauma due
to occlusal problems. The extent of the damage to the
tooth can also be visualized.
Occlusal
analysis to detect any interferences during chewing
movements.
Bruxism is
a habit some people have of grinding their teeth at night
or when under stress. Others might clench their jaws or
clatter their teeth. This may manifest either as severe
wear of the teeth, pain in the jaws or as cracked teeth.
The problem is generally psychological and can be
controlled with a bite appliance that is worn at night -
something like a bite-guard that boxers wear. Generalized
sensitivity can be one of the presenting complaints in
this condition.
Sensitivity can
be treated by your dentist:-
Any decay
found in your teeth can be cleaned and filled to seal the
underlying dentin.
If the
cause is improper brushing habits, then a change in
brushing method coupled with repair of the defect should
solve your problem.
If the
root of the tooth is exposed then a desensitizing paste
could help.
Gum
disease can be treated if that is the cause of your
problem.
Bruxism is
not so easy to treat. Occlusal correction along with a
bite plate can control the damage, but total cure will
require mental conditioning.
If there
is any interference in your occlusal scheme, then
correcting that high point should make the tooth
comfortable.
Erosion of
enamel caused by aerated drinks will require a change in
lifestyle (diet) followed by veneering the affected
teeth. Desensitizing pastes may help in less severe
cases.
