411 about Sensitive Teeth

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well on this great day!

The information from today’s special report is coming directly to you from the ADA (American Dental Association). Is tasting ice cream or sipping hot coffee sometimes painful for you? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVITY?

Tooth Decay
Fractured Teeth
Worn Fillings
Gum Disease
Worn Tooth Enamel
Exposed Tooth Root (caused by aggressive tooth brushing, receding gums, or gum disease)

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth-the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel & the cementum is dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel & cementum, & contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat & cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves & cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity that may cause discomfort when you chew, drink hot or cold liquids, or when you breath through your mouth. Something else that may also cause sensitivity is teeth whitening strips (caution leaving them on for too long). You may want to consult your dentist before deciding to use any kind of whitening product to make sure the treatment is right for you.

HOW TO TREAT SENSITIVITY?

Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following possible treatments:

Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, & usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced. (If the first brand you try is not effective, continue to try another brand as all the toothpastes are not “one size fits all”; it may take some time to find the one that works best for you.)
Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel & reduces the transmission of sensations.
A crown, inlay, or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
Root canal. If sensitivity is severe & persistent & cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain & just imperative for you overall health. With the proper treatment, your sensitivity should at the very least improve over time.

Below you will find a link to a video about sensitive teeth courtesy of the American Dental Association & mouthhealthy.org.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth?

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Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

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Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

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