Help for Sensitive Teeth

For people with sensitive teeth, the simple act of brushing is like walking across a bed of hot coals, it’s that painful. If you are one of the nearly 40 million Americans who suffer from sensitive teeth, then you know the feeling first-hand. But today, advances in dentistry have made treatment and relief possible.
Many patients tell me their teeth are sensitive. Technically called “dentin hypersensitivity”, this intermittent sensation affects people when they eat, drink, or touch their teeth. At least one in seven adults suffer from this painful sensation, primarily in response to hot or cold foods.
Dental sensitivity can be caused either by enamel loss or exposure of the tooth root surface. Enamel loss can be caused by wear on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, abrasion from improper tooth- brushing, erosion, exposure of the teeth to acidic foods, or tooth grinding.
Exposure of the tooth root surface may result from recession of the gums due to aging or chronic gum disease, a poorly positioned tooth, periodontal surgery, or incorrect brushing habits.
There are effective treatments for tooth sensitivity. Initially, treatment would involve ruling out other possible dental problems and using an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste for two to six weeks. If further treatment is necessary, your dentist may choose to apply topical fluoride or a potassium oxalate treatment.
Another effective technique is bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored porcelain material to the tooth surface to seal the exposed dentin or root surface.
Anyone who suffers from sensitive teeth should contact their dentist. They can find comfort in knowing that brushing their teeth does not have to be a painful experience.
Mehran Abbassian, D.D.S., a general dentist in Valencia, is the past President and current member of the San Fernando Dental Society, a component of the California Dental Association. For more information, please call 661-259-9100.