Sensitive teeth – help and causes

People suffering from sensitive teeth know the sudden, flash-like pain caused by a mouthful of hot tea, when licking cold ice-cream or caused by biting into a sour apple. It can be estimated that approximately every second person is affected by the so-called dentin hypersensitivity. According to some studies, figures are assumed to be even much higher for those affected.

The reasons for sensitivity to pain are exposed dental necks. Sometimes they are visible; frequently, however, they are only visible to the experienced eyes of a dentist. Either the tooth's enamel is defective or the gums have receded. In any event, the dentin is exposed and stimuli are directly and immediately transmitted to the nerves.

This article will tell you about the most frequent causes for exposed necks of teeth and the causes for sensitive teeth; it will also tell you what to do in the way of prevention and what can help when you have teeth sensitive to pain.

1. Why do teeth suddenly react so sensitively?
2. Six causes for sensitivity to pain
3. What is helpful in case of sensitive teeth?
4. Special case: An individual tooth is sensitive

The development of sensitive teeth is possible due to a large number of triggers. They can be classified in four categories:

1. Erosions: Here concerned are enamel damages caused by chemical processes, thus caused by an acid-induced dental enamel erosion. The acids are here e.g. from foods and can dissolve the tooth over time. If this happens permanently, the enamel will become ever thinner, and the neck of the tooth is exposed.
2. Abrasions: Enamel is here also affected. However, the damage is due rather to mechanical effects. Enamel is eroded due to pressure or friction; thus, abraded so to speak – e.g. by brushing teeth too intensively or by using the wrong (to abrasive) toothpaste. Here again, the areas on the neck of teeth are frequently concerned so that dentin is exposed.
3. Recessions: The term describes the (non-inflammatory) withdrawal of the gums. Once the gingiva recedes, the neck of the tooth is exposed and thus the dentin as well.
4. Gingival diseases: Especially the inflammatory diseases of the gums (gingivitis, periodontitis) cause the gingiva to recede. Here as well, the consequences are exposed necks of teeth.

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Acidic foods and drinks

People enjoying lemonades, fruit juices and energy drinks will not like the following news item. In case of permanent consumption, acidic drinks will demineralise the dental enamel, rendering it porous and increasingly thinner. Microscopic fissures will be formed so that the enamel has a hard time to protect the dentin and dental nerves from thermal or chemical influences.

Unlike with caries, these erosions occur not by acids produced by bacteria but rather through acid attacks of a non-bacterial origin. Aside from acidic foods and drinks, gastric acid can also result in hydroxyapatite crystals being slowly dissolved from the dental enamel. Accordingly, causes for sensitive teeth can also be reflux, frequent vomiting during pregnancy or bulimia nervosa.

Lack of oral hygiene

The oral cavity has a variety of bacteria which are indispensable for a healthy oral flora. In case of a faulty or non-balanced nutrition, however, harmful bacteria will dominate the so-called biofilm, also named dental plaque.  These bacteria produce certain substances which bring about an inflammation of the gingiva. The biofilm deposits especially well in interdental spaces and on the gingival margin. If this biofilm is not removed by brushing teeth daily, gingivitis will frequently develop here. A result of the inflammation will often be a recession of the gums.

Many patients suffering from sensitive teeth or gum problems tend to reduce brushing their teeth or no longer brush them at all. That will be most unfortunate, however, insofar as plaque will lastingly accumulate; it will harden and build up tartar which can only be removed by the dentist. Moreover, the gum inflammation or gingivitis may aggravate and develop to periodontitis. Such periodontitis will affect the entire periodontium – thus the bone as well; and it will not be reversible, but require lifelong therapy. Patients with periodontitis frequently suffer from sensitive dental necks

Did you know:
Not only one’s natural teeth are prone to plaque. With prostheses and dentures, bacteria can also collect on the gingival margin and thus promote exposed dental necks if they are still existing.

Wrong tooth brushing technique

However, enamel and gingiva may also be damaged by excessive care. Some people just mean too well in their dental care: They want to be thorough and too forcefully press the toothbrush on their teeth. But the damage will usually be greater than the benefit if the brush also happens to have hard bristles or if teeth are brushed too quickly after eating acidic dishes. 

Due to a wrong tooth brushing technique, the dental enamel is downright abraded and the gingiva is injured. Subsequently, the dental necks are exposed resulting in sensitive teeth. If daily oral care results in bleeding gums, this will be a first sign for an inflammation of the gums or even a wrong brushing technique. Either way, consultation of a dentist, dental hygienist or any other expert for prevention is the way to go.

Teeth grinding

Mechanical pressure may also be a cause of teeth sensitive to pain: For example, if teeth permanently grind against each other while grinding teeth. The consequence of the permanent burden is usually dental damage manifesting itself in various ways. However, here again, dentin is often exposed which will react with pain upon stimuli.

Particularly delicate:  Many of the people affected will press their upper jaw on the lower jaw, mostly unwittingly or at night. Their surprise is great when the dentist’s diagnosis is a so-called bruxism. The pressure resulting with so-called teeth grinding is many times higher than that used for chewing foods and it will also last significantly longer. Dental enamel is unable to permanently withstand
such burdens.

Other mechanical damages:
Tongue or lip piercings may also become a problem. Since the metal will inevitably also come into contact with teeth and gums, damage may result over time which will render teeth hypersensitive.

Treatments at dentists

Especially after treatment at the dental practice, many patients complain about sensitive teeth.  However, this is a normal reaction as a rule which will soon disappear again. Increased sensitivity to pain will be particularly frequent after:

• Professional dental cleaning
• Measures taken for prosthetic devices, such as a dental crown or bridge
• Periodontitis treatment
• Dental bleaching

Professional dental cleaning at the dentist’s office will remove tartar and bacterial coatings on the gingival margin. The gingiva may thus be slightly irritated. This is to be expected – regardless of how good and well-trained the particular qualified specialist is. However, the treatment basically contributes to gingival health which is why professional dental cleaning should not be done without.  Moreover, discomforts will decrease considerably after a short period of time already.

Bleaching and tooth whitening

Meanwhile, not only dentists are using methods to whiten teeth. Various applications also exist for tooth whitening at home. In bleaching, teeth are usually whitened with hydrogen peroxide. This substance is used to temporarily “dry” the dental enamel, and gums can also be irritated.  As a result, patients frequently react with pain when they consume hot, sour or cold foods and drinks.

It is absolutely necessary that patients discuss any tooth whitening measures with their dentist if they are suffering anyway already from teeth sensitive to pain. Otherwise, the patients’ sensitivity to pain can get even worse.

The following 11 tips will provide help with teeth sensitive to pain:

Less pressure when brushing teeth

The correct tooth brushing technique can make a considerable difference for teeth sensitive to pain. Because actually, too much pressure in brushing teeth is frequently applied, or the toothbrush is forcefully moved back and forth while scrubbing. It is better to brush with less pressure from red to white – thus from the gums to the tooth. Also take care of how you hold the toothbrush. If you make a fist, you will soon apply too much pressure. It is better to hold the manual toothbrush just with your finger tips to prevent any damage due to brushing.

Select a suitable toothbrush

A gentle brushing technique will be easier to apply with a toothbrush which is suitable for sensitive teeth. But the selection is rather difficult and should be done in coordination with the experts at the dental practice. After all, even soft bristles might result in abrasions. Moreover, some electrical toothbrushes are provided with sensors to warn you if too much pressure is applied. But here again, the enamel may be damaged if you remain too long on one tooth.

Pay attention to whitening toothpastes

Toothpastes for white teeth are generally characterised by a high percentage of so-called cleaning particles. Many toothpastes also have very hard cleaning particles which actually do remove stubborn deposits but also damage the tooth substance and thus render the sensitivity to pain even worse. Accordingly, rather opt for a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Bioniq^® Toothpaste Duo.

Protection by dental enamel

A toothpaste with “artificial enamel” helps reduce hypersensitivity. It contains biomimetic hydroxyapatite which mimics our natural enamel. If used regularly, microscopic defects responsible for stimuli transmission, will be closed and the enamel surface is repaired with each and every tooth brushing.

Routinely use an oral rinse

Oral rinses not only provide for a fresh breath but also remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas which encourage receding gums.  Contrary to a mouthwash, oral rinses are provided already in the specified dose and need not be specially diluted. Solutions not only containing antibacterial ingredients but also hydroxyapatite will additionally strengthen the dental surface.

Entrust yourself to dentists

Keep the regular prophylaxis appointments with your dentist. Here, tooth damage, gum inflammations and exposed necks of teeth can be detected early and corresponding measures for treatment can be implemented.  If you already noticed any hypersensitivity with your teeth, talk to your dentist about it. He or she can determine the exact cause – e.g. abrasion, erosion or recession.

Use a bruxism brace to improve teeth grinding

A bruxism brace or a “grinder brace” will help in case of damages due to unwitting or nocturnal teeth grinding. Such a brace will be individually adjusted by your dentist to your set of teeth and is accordingly comfortable to wear. The brace here acts as a buffer between the chewing surfaces, thereby reducing friction and protecting the surface of the teeth. Some health insurance providers possibly even accept the costs of manufacture.

Sealing of exposed dental necks

Dental necks are not sheathed by hard enamel. Accordingly, once they are exposed, they will react especially sensitively.  In order to keep away any external irritations from the dentin, dentists may seal them with a special enamel varnish or gel. With so-called wedge-shaped defects, dental neck filling of plastic may also be used.

Refrain from smoking

Cigarette smoking has negative effects not only on health, heart and the cardiovascular system but also on teeth. Gums have a poorer blood supply and are prone to inflammations.  As a result, gums will recede and encourage dentin hypersensitivity. 

Avoid acidic foods

Since acids render the dental enamel porous, patients with sensitive teeth should better avoid acidic foods. This includes, inter alia, some carbonated beverages, coffee, yoghurt, citrus fruits, various berries, such as raspberries, blackberries or currants. Also, foods containing high amounts of sugar should feature less on the menu since sugar is also converted into acids by the bacteria of the oral flora. 

Tips to weaken acids

Ingestion of acids via foods cannot be entirely prevented. Moreover, there are also other important nutrients especially in acidic fruits, such as cherries, kiwi et al. You can at least weaken the acid attack somewhat. For example, by eating whole-grain products, you can stimulate salivation which
will balance the acid. Or you can drink a glass of milk or eat a natural yoghurt with your fruit. The calcium contained in dairy products will additionally weaken the acids.