What causes senstitive teeth and how can it be fixed?

Question

Sometimes my teeth get really senstive for awhile (esp. the front ones), then it goes away. What causes it and how can I prevent or fix it?

Answer 1

could be anything from not strong enamel to brushing your teeth too hard. Use SEnsodyne for a couple of weeks when they get sensitive.

Answer 2

When someone comes to me and complains of new sensitivity, the first thing I ask is what kind of toothpaste they are using. 9 times out of 10, they say that they recently started to use a whitening toothpaste. They are well-known for that. Just stop using it and go back to your "bland" normal toothpaste. If you are still sensitive after a week or so, get Crest Sensitivity formula toothpaste and use that and nothing else for at least 3 or 4 weeks. If you area STILL sensitive, go ask your dentist about getting some fluoride for home use.

Sensitivity formula toothpastes contain potassium nitrate. Here's a photo that is MONSTROUSLY enlarged showing dentinal tubules. The potassium nitrate precipitates into the openings and eventually plugs these holes up.

http://oralhealth.dent.umich.edu/VODI/html/01-dc/a-anatomy/toothStructure/03.html

Here's another picture that explains why that works. If you ignore the enamel layer, which is not present on the roots, you will see that the dentinal tubules go all the way from the pulp chamber (where the nerve lives) to the outside world. There is fluid in the tubules. Some nerve fibers actually enter the tubules. Anything that moves or disturbs the fluid might be transmitted to the nerve fibers. This is usually interpreted as pain. Blocking up the tubules will reduce the possibility of this from happening.

http://www.adha.org/CE_courses/course9/figures/figure2.htm

Answer 3

What are the main causes of sensitive teeth?


Over-zealous brushing with a hard toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste.

Periodontitis (or gum disease) can contribute because it may expose the roots of the teeth.

Your diet will also play a role - frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and carbonated (including diet) drinks, can chemically dissolve enamel over time, resulting in exposed dentin

Abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, which often result from stress - like chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard objects, can wear away enamel to expose the dentin



How do I avoid sensitive teeth?
Maintenance of healthy gums is the best way to protect tooth dentin from exposure. The seal made between healthy gums, teeth and underlying bone provides protection by keeping highly sensitive root surfaces covered.

Proper brushing and flossing are the basis for a good oral care routine.
However, overly vigorous brushing, with a hard-bristled toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste may wear tooth enamel and can cause gum recession.

Answer 4

Buy some Sensodyne toothpaste. It really works.

Answer 5

Those toothpastes with "whitening". Switch brands.