Written By: Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated : June 9, 2015 10:20 AM IST
Dentine is the inner substance of a tooth that is covered and protected by the enamel in the crown and by the cementum in the root. Teeth sensitivity is usually caused due to exposed dentine. Regular wear and tear of the tooth can make the enamel thin especially at the gum line where the crown meets the root. The enamel doesn't have living cells. Hence, it can't repair itself. To some extent saliva tries to restore the enamel through remineralisation. But when the wear gets and tear gets the upper hand, the enamel ultimately gives way. This exposes the dentine, which contains little tubules or nerves, on the inside of the tooth. When exposed to differential temperature through food and liquids, it stimulates the nerves causing the uncomfortable symptoms of tooth sensitivity.
Treatment for sensitive teeth at home
Generalized, mild to moderate dentin hypersensitivity can be treated at home with over-the-counter or by prescription modalities.
1. Desensitizing toothpastes
Brushing with pastes that have desensitizing agents like fluoride can help relieve teeth sensitivity. Fluoride block off the dentinal tubules, so that the nerves don t get stimulated. Potassium-containing toothpastes reduce dentin hypersensitivity by inactivating nerves. Toothpastes containing arginine and calcium carbonate can provide lasting relief from sensitive teeth. Enamel once lost cannot regrow on its own. Lost enamel can be restored with toothpaste containing calcium and phosphate which supply minerals that integrate into the surface of the teeth and re-build a new layer of enamel on the teeth. Toothpastes with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) that are available at the dentist help reduce demineralization and promote remineralization.
2. Mouthwashes
Rinsing with a desensitizing mouthwash regularly can help sensitive teeth. A mouthwash for sensitive teeth acts by numbing nerve endings and/or strengthening tooth enamel by coating it with materials that reinforce it. Opt for a non-alcohol, non-acidic mouthwash. Most of the desensitizing mouthwashes contain potassium salts, calcium phosphate, fluoride, arginine, etc.
Treatment for sensitivity at the dentist's clinic
Localized, severe sensitivity may need special treatment. There are different approaches to treat it:
1. Mechanical barrier
Special fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes can be applied on the affected area to form a mechanical barrier against sensitivity triggers and help relieve teeth sensitivity. Exposed dentine around the neck of the tooth may also be covered with sealing or bonding agents.
2. Treating underlying causes
Your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night if you grind or clench your teeth. Cavities may be repaired with fillings. Fillings may be put over exposed root too. Exposed roots may also need a surgical gum graft. A root canal treatment can block the nerve sensations, and hence help in treating tooth sensitivity originating from a soft pulp.
3. Lasers
Some dentists may use lasers to help ease symptoms of tooth sensitivity by partial or total occlusion of dentin tubules.
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References:
Aranha AC, Domingues FB, Franco VO, Gutknecht N, Eduardo Cde P. Effects of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers on dentin permeability in root surfaces: a preliminary in vitro study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2005 Oct;23(5):504-8. PubMed PMID: 16262582.
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