Glick & Woods Dentistry

Dentine hypersensitivity is a sudden, sharp shooting pain in the teeth triggered by hot, cold or acidic foodstuff. Pain is also felt with touch, such as from chewing or tooth-brushing, and with air pressure, such as when one is breathing through the mouth.

Cracked teeth, cavities, worn tooth enamel (outer layer of the tooth), worn tooth fillings and exposed tooth roots can cause hypersensitivity. When the tooth’s outer covering breaks down, dentin is exposed (inner tooth bone layer), allowing heat and cold or food particles to pass through its hollow tubules; this irritates the nerve fibers in the tooth pulp. The sensory nerve endings are responsible for our sensation.

The dentin may also be exposed when gums recede due to infection (periodontal disease). In advanced periodontitis, the tooth attachment and its supporting structures are destroyed, leaving the root exposed. This leads to hypersensitivity in the gumline. Brushing the teeth too aggressively can also injure the gums and expose the tooth roots.

Treatments of sensitive teeth range from desensitizing toothpastes that contains potassium nitrate (inactivates the nerve) to fluoride gel that strengthen tooth enamel, sealants and bonding agents that seal the sensitive teeth and root canal therapy. Endodontic, or root canal, treatment (removal of the pulp tissue) will be recommended by the dentist in severe or chronic cases.

Proper oral hygiene, including proper brushing technique and flossing, and healthy diet will prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth mineral loss. Enamel loss has been attributed to an acidic diet, which produces demineralization

You will never look at toothbrushing again as a routine hygiene to take lightly or you can do without. A recent study found that people who brush their teeth less frequently have a 70% increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed their teeth twice a day. When people don’t brush their teeth regularly, they are prone to periodontitis, a chronic gum infection. This will manifest at first as gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which not only causes bad breath but also sets off a chain of events in our bloodstream.

One of our body’s responses to inflammation is blood coagulation, or clotting. Protein substances in our blood that cause blood to get sticky rise when there is inflammation. When this condition becomes chronic or persistent, it will cause accumulation of plaque that blocks normal blood flow to the blood vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis. Plaque that has already formed in the arteries may also be swollen by bacteria and cause further narrowing of these blood vessels. This heart disease leads to stroke and heart attack.

People who reported poor oral hygiene tested positive for these clotting protein substances, which are inflammatory markers in blood tests. With the strong link between periodontal disease and risk of cardiovascular disease, people are advised not to take chances and observe oral hygiene. Prevention is still the best cure. Being diligent with the simple acts of toothbrushing and flossing can prevent the risk of a fatal cardiac event.

With consumers’ fondness for pearly white teeth, toothpaste makers created a wide selection of whitening toothpastes to choose from.

The main component of whitening toothpastes is its abrasive system designed to remove surface stains caused by drinking coffee and smoking. Special ingredients – such as citrate, enzyme, peroxide, hexametaphosphate and pyrophosphate — are added that aid the breakdown of stains and prevention of reforming discoloration.

New toothpastes that contain blue covarine create an optical illusion and improve whiteness after teeth-brushing. It usually takes two to four weeks to get the desired whiteness if used twice a day.

Experts say that, in general, whitening toothpastes are safe for everyday use. However, they caution that too much use could harm the teeth’s hard enamel covering. To ensure safety, experts recommend looking for a product that is approved by highly regarded dental associations such as the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. They also recommend talking to a dentist if a person is not satisfied with the effect of whitening toothpaste.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.