The Digital Dental Surgeon

People often experience sensitivity of the teeth especially when exposed to air or cold liquids/drinks. It occurs most often in the elderly but may also appear at any age.

Sensitive teeth are commonly caused by cavities or fractured teeth. Some people may also experience sensitive teeth caused by worn enamel, cracked tooth or exposure of root surfaces.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by movements of fluid in the tubules within the dentine. In a normal and healthy teeth, the dentine is protected by the enamel which makes up the crowns of our teeth and by a thin layer of cementum which protects the root surfaces.

In most cases, overbrushing and/or poor oral hygiene would result in receding gums. This would expose the layer of protective layer of cementum. The layer of cementum will not hold for long as the overbrushing continues, it will soon disappear and thus expose the dentine.

I would recommened using a soft toothbrush and not the ones with hard or medium bristles as the soft ones are much gentler to the gums.

People with sensitive teeth would be recommended to try applying desensitizing toothpaste during their regular toothbrushing. Usage of at least one month should give a favourable result although there are cases that the desensitizing toothpaste may not ease the discomfort significantly. If this occurs, perhaps an in-office fluoride gel or paste can be applied after consulting with you neighbourhood dentist. The fluoride gel/paste may be applied to the exposed root surfaces and reduce fluid movements within the dentinal tubules.

Exposed root surfaces may also be sealed by the denstist by applying small and thin fillings or sealers to ease the discomfort.

In severe hypersensitivity cases, a root canal treatment may also be recommmended by your dentist.

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