WHY ARE MY TEETH SO SENSITIVE!? Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have hypersensitive teeth. The STRONGEST substance in our bodies is TOOTH ENAMEL. In healthy teeth, this layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. DENTIN MAY BE EXPOSED FROM:
• Tooth grinding/clenching from stress causing
abfractions, worn fillings, or even fractured teeth!
• Poor oral hygiene leading to cavity formation • Receding gums and/or worn enamel from over brushing your teeth
• Erosion from frequent consumption of acidic
beverages or foods without properly rinsing away the acid.
THE RESULT IS HYPERSENSITIVE TEETH! Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. I may suggest one of a variety of treatments:
• Desensitizing toothpaste like SENSODYNE.
This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced
• Fluoride gel or MI PASTE.
Placing these gels or pastes in a customized at-home carrier tray can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the transmission of sensations.
• A crown or tooth-colored bonding.
These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft.
If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal.
If sensitivity is VERY severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, I may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
DR. JASON ALVAREZ If you are experiencing SENSITIVITY symptoms or have any dental questions, you can contact our office located in front of the Pelican Athletic Club in The Village Shopping Center www.mymandevilledentist.com 985-626-8980 2881 Hwy 190 Suite D4, Mandeville LA 70433
