2006-08-04 05:35:34 · 11 answers · asked by tinnisk 1 in Health ➔ Dental
You probably have receded gums. It may not be much, but it is enough to expose the dentin of your teeth. The dentin is the layer of tooth structure that is underneath your enamel, and below the gumline. It is not as hard as enamel, and as someone else mentioned, pourous. (sp:?)
Throughout the dentin there are microscopic tubules that run from the outside of the root of the tooth (where the dentin is) all the way into the nerve. When you teeth experience extreme temperature changes, such as from heat (the normal temperature) of your mouth to extreme cold the tubules contract suddenly which is what causes that sharp pain-like sensation that is associated with temperature sensitivity.
Recession is normal with age, however, there are things we do that can worsen or accelerate it. First of all you need to be careful when you brush not to brush too hard. You should be holding the toothbrush with a fingertip grip -- not making a fist around it. Try rubbing your knuckles on sand paper as hard as you brush your teeth -- if you would make your knuckles bleed you're brushing too hard!
Smoking can also accelerate gum recession. Hopefully you aren't a smoker because it can cause SO many *other* problems besides gum recession in the mouth -- nevermind the rest of your body!
Also, you should consider using a sensitive tooth toothpaste. Sensodyne is the most widely known brand, but Crest, and Colgate have both come out with their own versions. Buy what you are comfortable with. You might also want to consider buying a fluoridated mouthwash like Act. The fluoride can help to decrease the sensitivity and begin to seal over the outside openings of the tubules in your dentin.
In addition to brushing with a sensitivity tooth paste, you can also take some of the toothpaste on your finger and apply it along the gum line on the inside AND outside of the teeth that are being sensitive. Leaving it there for a minute or two and spit it out. Don't rinse, however, because then the medication in the paste will get rinsed away. You should wait at least a half an hour after applying and spitting out the paste before eating or drinking.
If you are using a whitening toothpaste or tartar control toothpaste, they are actually more abrasive then most toothpastes and can actually CAUSE sensitivity. If you are using either like that get rid of them!
However, if you start experiencing sensitivity to hot things, swelling in the area where you have the sensitivity, or a constant dull (possibly throbbing) ache in the area that keeps you up at night or doesn't respond to pain medication, the see your dentist. You could have an infection/abcess if you are exhibiting the above symptoms.
2006-08-04 06:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix's Mommy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In your teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and your teeth's hard enamel shell. When this protection is lost, microscopic holes in the dentin called tubules, allow heat, cold and other irritants to be transmitted back to the tooth nerve triggering pain.
You might have sensitive teeth............Tell your dentist
2006-08-04 05:41:53 · answer #2 · answered by Ms. Spongebob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you bleaching? If you are young (under 20) The nerves in your teeth are very large and bleaching -expecially with anything besides a whitening toothpaste, can make you teeth sensative.
2006-08-04 05:46:03 · answer #3 · answered by michelleglnn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like to me you have sensitive teeth, sometimes after getting you teeth whitened or cleaned your teeth will be sensitive of you might be having a problem with your teeth I would get a hold of a dentist.
2006-08-05 10:45:40 · answer #4 · answered by blakeblaine2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tooth sensitivity can be cause by a number of dental problems. It can be a sign of gum disease, receding gums, etc. See a dentist. You may want a toothpaste that helps, use Sensodyne.
2006-08-04 05:40:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ouch! You probably have an exposed nerve. I bet it is sensitive to cold air, too. You more than likely have a cavity and need to get it checked before it gets worse.
2006-08-04 05:41:11 · answer #6 · answered by riverhawthorne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You either have sensitive teeth...or you have cavities or something. Make sure you let your dentist know next time you go there.
2006-08-04 05:39:42 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have sensitive teeth...change your toothpaste to something all natural and it will clear up in no time!you can get it anywhere,,,wal-mart...places like that...but things like crest is the worst for it...
2006-08-04 05:42:18 · answer #8 · answered by sarah g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT SEEMS YOUR TEETHE R VERY SENSITIVE SO I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM I USED MY DENTIST ADVICE AND NOW I USE SENIDINE TOOTHEPATE AND ALL IS WELL GOODLUCK HOPE THAT HELPS YA
2006-08-04 05:41:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy toothpaste..sensodyne it should help with the pain!
2006-08-04 05:39:17 · answer #10 · answered by +++++ SPOOK ++++ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋