Ice cream, frozen yogurt, popsicles and lemonade are all wonderful for cool treats on the hot summer days we have been having lately.  But, just taking a spoonful of ice cream or a sip of cold lemonade can be a painful experience for people with sensitive teeth.  Sensitive teeth are one of the most common complaints among dental patients.  An estimated 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from a sensitive tooth.  Not only can cold be painful, a sensitive tooth can react to stimulation like hot beverages, touching your teeth, eating sweets or exposing them to cold air.  Tooth sensitivity is caused by the stimulation of cells within tiny microscopic tubes located in the second layer of tooth structure called the dentin.  Over time, if the hard enamel is worn down or the gums recede, these microscopic tubes are exposed.  They are normally sealed, but can develop small cracks or openings that allow fluid movement in the tubes.  When exposed, any stimulation can cause pain and even affect or change eating, drinking, breathing or brushing habits. 

How can I avoid sensitivity?
A variety of things can cause tooth sensitivity.  Something as simple as your toothpaste may be the culprit.  Some toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that may be too harsh for people who have sensitive teeth.  Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and remove certain stains from enamel can also be the cause of discomfort.  Even though “tartar control” toothpastes are wonderful at reducing the build-up tartar, approximately 10-20% of patients who use them will develop some sort of sensitivity or tissue irritation.  Other causes include brushing with a hard-bristled brush, grinding or clenching your teeth or a high intake of acidic drinks or foods.  Next time you have a soft drink, check the label.  One of the significant ingredients in most is phosphoric acid!

What can I do about sensitive teeth?
First of all, avoid any of the things I mentioned above.  Any treatment beyond prevention for sensitive teeth is geared towards “clogging up the tubes”.  If they can be sealed and the nerve hasn’t been affected, sensitivity can usually be alleviated.  In many cases, tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.  These ingredients help block transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve.  If you try one of these, be aware that it normally takes three to four weeks of daily use before you will notice a difference.  Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing your teeth too hard, which can wear down the tooth's root surface and expose sensitive spots.  The way to find out if you're brushing your teeth too hard is to take a good look at your toothbrush.  If the bristles are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard!  If the home treatments aren’t effective, see the dentist.  He/she may prescribe fluoride; apply a desensitizing agent or a protective sealant type material.  In some cases placement of a filling may be done to stop the discomfort. 

How do I know when it's time to see a dentist?
If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days, and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, it's best to get a diagnostic evaluation from your dentist to determine the extent of the problem.  If your tooth is sensitive to biting as well as temperature change, it could be a cracked tooth.  Because pain symptoms can be similar, some people might think a tooth is sensitive, when instead, they actually have a cavity or abscess that's not yet visible. 

If sensitivity is a concern, don’t ignore it, summer and ice cold lemonade are coming soon!