Sensitive Teeth – Leaving You Out In The Cold During The Holiday Season

When you think of the holiday season, thoughts of parties, eating and drinking, even the cold weather, may spring to mind. But for the millions of Americans who suffer from sensitive teeth, the fun-filled holidays may be more of a pain in the mouth.

Sensitive teeth is one of the most common complaints among my patients, says Dr. Michael Swartz, a past president of the Massachusetts Dental Society and a general dentist in West Roxbury. At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer from sensitive teeth, or hypersensitivity, at some point. Most often, hypersensitivity results in tooth discomfort or pain after eating very cold or hot foods, drinking hot or cold liquids, or exposure to cold air.

This sensitivity may be the result of a cavity, a fractured tooth, or an abscess. Yet, the most common cause of hypersensitivity is the exposure of the underlying layer of your teeth, also called the dentin.

Normally, dentin is covered and well-protected by the tooth’s enamel and the surrounding gum. However, if gums begin to recede and the dentin is exposed, a sensation may be carried directly to the tooth’s nerves, causing a short, sharp pain after contact with something hot or cold.

Dentin exposure can result from gum disease, clenching or grinding your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard, or smoking, explains Dr. Swartz.

Your dentist may recommend using an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste to help block transmission of the sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. However, it may require several applications before any sensitivity is reduced.

According to Dr. Swartz, if the desensitizing toothpaste doesn’t work, other in-office treatments may help. Applying sealants, fluoride varnishes, or fluoride rinses can reduce the problem, he says. But for severe or persistent sensitivity, you should contact your dentist immediately for diagnosis and further treatment.

Author Notes:

Allison Storm contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!