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My teeth are sometimes sensitive. Is this common?
Yes. Many adults experience occasional sensitivity to
cold, sweet or hot food and beverages. The pain can be
short, sharp and unexpected. The main cause of these
pain sensations is exposed necks of teeth, which are
more vulnerable to temperature changes. In addition,
excessive acidic food and fizzy drinks can erode the
tooth surface and cause dentine hypersensitivity.
Regardless of the triggers and frequency of your pain,
let your dentist or hygienist know. In the first instance,
they will ensure no other factors are contributing to the
sensitivity and they can recommend the appropriate
treatment.
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What's a tooth?
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Teeth consist of the visible crown and the invisible root,
which are formed by three distinctive structures, called
enamel, dentine and pulp.
Enamel covers the crown and is the hardest tissue in
the body. Dentine constitutes the major part of the
tooth and gives teeth their colour. Pulp is rich in
nerves and blood vessels.
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What is dentine hypersensitivity?
Many adults suffer from sensitive teeth or dentine
hypersensitivity. This condition is most common when
the root surfaces of teeth are exposed due to gum
recession. The main core of the tooth consists of
dentine with many tubules running from the outer edge
of the tooth dentine to its inner centre, which contains
the tooth nerve.
These microscopic dentine tubules contain fluid which
moves when exposed to cold, heat, touch or high sugar
concentrations in the mouth. This stimulates the nerve
and causes pain and discomfort.
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How does a toothpaste help?
Open dentine tubules are the pathway to sensitive
teeth. Toothpastes can help in two different ways to
get relief from sensitive teeth. These are either by
numbing the tooth nerves or by blocking the open
dentine tubules.
Desensitising toothpastes with potassium salts represent
the most commonly used sensitivity toothpastes
currently marketed. By brushing the teeth the potassium
ions diffuse into the open dentine tubules and start
numbing the nerves.
Other desensitising toothpastes achieve sensitivity relief
by plugging the open dentine tubules and blocking the
cause of pain sensations.
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How long does it take to get relief?
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Common sensitivity toothpastes, which are numbing
the nerves with potassium salts, result in a noticeable
difference after 4-8 weeks of daily use. In contrast
ColgateŽ Sensitive Pro-Relief? Toothpaste,
which is blocking open dentine tubules, not only
provides lasting sensitivity relief with regular brushing,
but it also provides instant relief.
For instant relief, the toothpaste
must be applied directly to the
sensitive tooth with a finger tip
and gently massaged for one
minute.
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© Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals
