If you experience tooth discomfort from chewing, exposure to hot and cold, or even breathing through your mouth, you might be suffering from dentin hypersensitivity, otherwise known as “sensitive teeth.”

Imagine your tooth having multiple layers like an onion. The ultra-hard outer shell is called the enamel. Beneath that is a layer of porous material called dentin that surrounds the inner nerve. The enamel protects the dentin from temperature extremes and other irritants. Your gums do the same for the dentin inside the tooth roots.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when one of these protective barriers is compromised -- because of tooth decay or gum disease, for instance. When that happens, heat, cold or pressure can produce sudden, sharp pain.

The dentin is made of up a network of tiny, hollow tubes. When the tooth’s enamel wears or chips away, the heat or cold from food or beverages is transmitted directly to the tooth’s nerve tissues, and that’s what leads to dentin hypersensitivity.

Other possible causes include:

- Cracked or broken teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Aggressive toothbrushing
- Plaque buildup on the root surfaces

Protecting the Dentin

Regular dental visits to for cleanings and fluoride treatments can prevent damage to the dentin’s protective layer. Here are some additional steps you can take:

- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize abrasion of the tooth surface and irritation of your gums, and be extra gentle when brushing around the gum line!

- Go easy on highly acidic foods (such as citrus), as they can erode tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure.

- Use a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.

Treating the Sensitivity

Depending on the cause, using a desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes solve the problem. Desensitizing toothpastes contain agents that prevent the sensation of hot, cold or pressure on the surface of the tooth from reaching the nerve. Patients usually need to use these toothpastes for a few days before noticing reduced sensitivity.

If that doesn’t work, your dentist can apply a fluoride gel or special desensitizing agents to the affected tooth. If the problem persists, a filling, crown, inlay or bonding may be necessary to repair tooth decay or correct some other problem that may be causing the sensitivity.

Although dentin sensitivity can be easily remedied, it might be a symptom of a more serious problem. So to be on the safe side, make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out.

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