29 years
Is it normal if teeth are very sensitive to cold drinks and cause pain? And is there a way to reduce this sensitivity?
Sep 9, 2014
The dentin is composed of microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When the dentin gets deprived from its protective covering, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach and excite the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This results in hypersensitivity, discomfort, and pain upon chewing, contact with cold or hot liquids, or during mouth breathing (contact with air).
Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease and pain from sensitive teeth. Incorrect or aggressive tooth brushing may inadvertently injure the gums and expose tooth roots.
Periodontal disease, an infection that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth, may also be implicated in causing dental hypersensitivity. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the gum tissues to separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets that will harbor food debris and bacteria. Periodontal disease can cause serious complications, such as the destruction of bone and other tooth-supporting tissues. Ultimately, the root surfaces of teeth become exposed.
Sensitive teeth can be treated according to the underlying cause. Treatment approach involves desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block sensation traveling from the tooth surface to the nerve. Usually, several applications are required before the desensitizing toothpaste is able to reduce hypersensitivity. Also avoid brushing your teeth after having eaten acidic foods (such foods soften the gums which become lax and thus the tooth root becomes exposed).
If the desensitizing toothpaste does not alleviate symptoms, in-office treatments, using a fluoride gel or special desensitizing agents, may be required; these are usually applied to the sensitive areas of the affected teeth. If these measures too fail to produce improvement, more advanced treatments, such as a filling, a crown, an inlay or bonding to correct a flaw or decay (that results in sensitivity) should be considered.
In the case of gum disease, where gum tissue has been lost from the root (gum recession), a surgical gum graft to cover the root may be the solution needed to protect the tooth and reduce the sensitivity.
In cases of refractory dental hypersensitivity that do not respond to the previously mentioned treatment options, an endodontic (root canal) treatment would be the last resort to eliminate the problem.
•
