Livermore Dentist - What causes Teeth Sensitivity - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

 

What causes Teeth Sensitivity ?

The most usual causes of a tooth sensitivity problem are :

• Exposed root areas due to
• receding gums or periodontal disease.
• Dentin exposure caused by vigorous brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush or incorrect way of brushing teeth.
• Worn out enamel because of teeth grinding
• Enamel erosion caused by chemical agents or acidic diet
• Tooth decay, due to the lesions of the enamel surface

Teeth sensitivity can occur following routine dental procedures like teeth cleaning, root planning or tooth restoration.

Teeth sensitivity problems caused by dental procedures are temporary, usually disappearing in 4 to 6 weeks.

Teeth whitening, as a result of high abrasivity or/and chemical action of the whitening products' active ingredients on the tooth tissues. Teeth sensitivity during bleaching process has become a very common problem due to the wide spread use of at home whitening products.

What causes the pain in Tooth Sensitivity ?

• Sensitive teeth has become one of the most common teeth problems as people keep their original teeth longer. Gums are receding by age exposing the tooth below the gumline where dentin is covered by cementum that is much softer than the enamel of the tooth crown.
• The dentin contains a network of micro-tubules which run the full width of the dentin, from the pulp in the center of the tooth up to the outer edge below the enamel. If a tooth area loses its protective layer of the enamel or cementum, the dentin (and also the pulp via the tubules) becomes exposed to the outside oral environment.
• Nerve cells of the pulp extending inside these tubules can be stimulated by external heat, cold, or touch applied from the outside.

The external stimulation is thought to produce movement of the fluids within the tubules and tension of the nerve, making the teeth sensitive to hot and cold, and causing a strong pain signal to be sent by the nerve.

Potential risks of Teeth Sensitivity

Whatever the causes of tooth sensitivity, the real problem is not the pain itself but its consequences.

•   People who suffer from sensitive teeth problems, due to the pain caused during brushing, usually start avoiding their regular oral hygiene. Gradually this may lead to much more serious dental problems as tooth decay and gum disease.

Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of tooth decay or cavities or a sign of a broken tooth or cracked filling.
If you have problem with sensitive teeth, consult your dentist to identify the root cause of the problem and advise you on the proper treatment.

How to prevent Teeth Sensitivity

As a remedy for tooth sensitivity problems you should :
Maintain good oral hygiene. Keep your gums healthy to prevent gums recession,
Use a soft bristled toothbrush.
Brush correctly without using excessive force. Horizontal movements of the toothbrush can cause abrasions of the enamel or cementum along the gum line.
Avoid very acidic foods and drinks to prevent teeth erosion.
Use a low abrasivity toothpaste. Whitening and anti-tartar toothpastes are usual causes of tooth sensitivity.

source: http://users.forthnet.gr/ath/abyss/dep1261.htm


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