An unsettling discomfort when a cold drink hits your teeth usually means one thing: tooth hypersensitivity or as many prefer to call it ‘sensitive teeth’. For some people, citrus fruits and other acidic foodstuffs are avoided like the plague as they bring on discomfort. Some even dread speaking if it’s too windy or cold outside. Hypersensitivity can make something as routine as eating unnecessarily difficult. However, there are a number of solutions available which promise to restore normalcy to your teeth and make eating (and speaking, regardless of the weather outside) much more enjoyable.

1. THE REAL PAIN BEHIND
SENSITIVE TEETH

2. An unsettling discomfort when a cold drink hits your teeth usually
means one thing: tooth hypersensitivity or as many prefer to call it
‘sensitive teeth’.
For some people, citrus fruits and other acidic foodstuffs are avoided
like the plague as they bring on discomfort. Some even dread speaking
if it’s too windy or cold outside.
Hypersensitivity can make something as routine as eating
unnecessarily difficult.
However, there are a number of solutions available which promise to
restore normalcy to your teeth and make eating (and speaking,

3. According to a study published in the
Journal of the American Dental
Association, 1 in 8 people in the US
may have sensitive teeth.
Tooth hypersensitivity was seen to be
highest amongst young adults and
women.
One of the interesting things they found
about tooth hypersensitivity is that it’s
essentially intermittent.
Some weeks it’s there and some it’s

4. It’s hard to confirm the veracity of the prevalence of tooth
hypersensitivity supported by these studies as previous ones
have shown that anything from 1 to 52% of the population
have sensitive teeth (1 in 2 people).
This particular study was carried out on 37 practices in Idaho,
Montana, Oregon, Washington and Utah. There were a total
of 737 patients who were predominantly white (82%).
It could be possible to find variations in different parts of the
world and among other racial ethnicities.

5. WHAT CAUSES
SENSITIVE TEETH?

6. Root sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity occurs when
dentine – a layer of the tooth below the enamel –
becomes exposed. The exposure of enamel is
primarily caused by

7. 1. Tooth grinding (Bruxism) – The grinding of teeth wears away at the
enamel; the top layer of the tooth. Grinding can also cause gum
recession. When either of these happens, dentin is eventually
exposed, resulting in hypersensitivity.
2. Poor dental hygiene – Lack of brushing and flossing leads to gum
disease. A sign of gum disease is gum recession. Also, bacteria in the
mouth and gums release toxins which are acidic and can contribute to
this hypersensitivity.
3. Scaling – When dentists treat gum disease, they have to scale the
teeth to remove plaque. Sometimes this can result in sensitivity.

8. 4. Alcohol and acidic foods – Both can erode at the enamel of the tooth,
leaving dentine exposed.
5. Tooth whitening – Sometimes tooth whitening can cause sensitivity.
This can usually be moderated by applying a fluoride gel or decreasing
the amount of time that the bleaching chemical is on the teeth.
6. Ageing – Ageing generally results in a recessed gum line which
exposes dentin.
7. Inadequate or excessive brushing – Too much of a good thing can be
bad. Brushing that is both excessive in force and frequency can result in
the shrinking of gums while lack of brushing leads to gum disease.

9. TRIGGERS

10. There are many triggers for sensitive teeth. Generally, pain or
discomfort results if sensitive teeth are exposed to:
1. Cold air – breathing through the mouth or speaking in sub-zero
outside temperatures
2. Cold foods i.e. ice cold beer/drink, ice cream
3. Acidic food i.e. oranges, wine
4. Grinding – clenching or grinding can

11. TREATMENT OPTIONS

12. A number of treatment options are available for people with
sensitive teeth. The degree to which they provide relief varies
from person to person. Consequently, the only way to find
out if they’ll work for you is to try them with the
recommendation of a dental healthcare professional.
A recent trial led by Analia Veitz-Keenan, DDS, a clinical
associate professor at the New York University College of
Dentistry, looked at the effectiveness of the different
treatments available for tooth hypersensitivity.

13. The study randomly split 304 patients who all
complained of hypersensitivity into 3 different
groups. Hypersensitivity was tested with a 1
second long blast of air to the teeth and then
the patients would be asked to rate their pain
on a scale of 1-10. Before any treatment
began, the average score on this pain scale
was 5.3.

14. Nearly half of them (42%) had sleep bruxism (night
time tooth grinding). The first group was given an
over-the-counter toothpaste which contained 5%
potassium nitrate – a component which blocks
tubes in dentine which cause hypersensitivity. The
second group was given a resin-based composite
normally used for filling cavities to cover the
exposed sensitive areas.

15. The third group was given a dental sealant that covered
the exposed sensitive area. Sealant is normally used to
prevent cavity formation and erosion.
After six months of treatment, the participants’ sensitivity
was again tested with another air blast. Those who used
the toothpaste had an average pain measurement on 2.2.
They also reported less pain the longer they used the
product.

16. While the toothpaste delivered pain reduction,
it did not perform as well as the sealant and
fillings. The researchers reported that the
toothpaste provided temporary relief but it did
not solve the underlying problem. The
sensitivity would remain an issue if the person
continued the bad habits (excessive
brushing/bruxism) that led to it in the first
place.

17. The fillings and sealants were shown to cover the
exposed parts of the tooth and provide protection
against further erosion and exposure.
If clenching or grinding is the main causative factor
in your sensitivity, a bruxism appliance will improve
your symptoms.

18. CONCLUSION

19. Tooth hypersensitivity needn’t be such a restricting
problem. Solutions like over-the-counter ‘sensitive
toothpaste’ do a good job of relieving the pain but
they do not address the issue. Studies show that
getting a dental sealant of a filling is the best way to
provide long-term relief and protect the teeth.
Consulting your dentist and getting advice on
developing better habits for dental care is also
recommended.

20. CONTACT US
Mark C. Marchbanks, D.D.S.
2624 Matlock Road Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76015
Phone: (817) 261-2747
http://arlingtontexasdentist.net/