Sensitive Information

Psst—here’s some time sensitive information for you and your family. If your child’s teeth are sensitive to heat, cold, sweets, acidic foods, wind and/or air, it could mean it’s time to see the doctor!

Normally, we don’t notice how external conditions affect our teeth at all. Tooth enamel—the hardest substance in the body—protects the inner tooth from outside stimuli. So, why do strong, solid teeth suddenly feel sensitive? The answer’s found in tooth anatomy.

The crown of the tooth, the part we can see above the gum line, has three distinct layers.

• Enamel, a strong mineral-rich coating, surrounds the outside of each tooth and protects the dentin and pulp inside.
• Dentin is the softer, porous middle layer of the tooth. Dentin contains thousands of tiny, fluid-filled tubules which extend to the pulp.
• In the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which keep the tooth alive and healthy.

The roots below the gumline have a similar structure, with one important exception.

• Cementum, which is not as hard and strong as enamel, covers the root surface instead of enamel.

Healthy, undamaged teeth allow us to enjoy an icy beverage, hot cocoa, a sweet treat, or a brisk walk without any dental discomfort.

When the tooth’s protective enamel covering is worn or damaged, the dentin below the enamel is exposed to external conditions. Temperature changes, air, wind, sweets and acids—all the stimuli which normally have no effect on our teeth are now transmitted through the dentin’s tubules to the nerves inside the pulp.

The pulp’s nerves respond to these sensations by sending out pain signals. Your child might complain about an annoying twinge, a sharp, brief stabbing pain, or a shocking sensation. Or it could be that your child is avoiding some favorite foods or is reluctant to eat at all.

If you suspect your child is suffering from tooth sensitivity, the doctor can help discover the cause. There are several potential sources of sensitivity, including:

Loss of Protective Enamel

When dentin is exposed, sensitivity follows! And because baby teeth have thinner enamel than adult teeth, they are even more vulnerable to tooth sensitivity.

• Aggressive Brushing

Brushing is great! Over-aggressive brushing? Not so much. Heavy-handed brushing and brushing with anything other than a soft-bristled brush can wear down mineral-rich tooth enamel to expose the dentin underneath, and is even more damaging to less-mineral-rich cementum.

• Diet

An acidic or sugary oral environment harms enamel. Consuming acidic foods and beverages erodes the minerals which make enamel so strong. Sugars give plaque bacteria the perfect fuel they need to produce enamel-eroding acids.

• Cavities

The bacteria in plaque create acids which strip minerals from tooth enamel. Over time, a hole in the enamel develops, uncovering the sensitive dentin below.

• Injuries

A crack or fracture can expose dentin, or, in severe cases, tooth pulp, to foods, heat, cold, and air.

Tooth Grinding

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, often takes place during sleep, and can apply over a hundred pounds of pressure to the teeth and jaws. Continuous grinding and clenching wears away tooth enamel, exposing dentin. Bruxism can also cause chipped and cracked teeth, as well as jaw damage and even tooth loss.

Malocclusion

Occlusion refers to the way our teeth and jaws fit together. In a healthy occlusion, the forces of biting and chewing are normal and evenly distributed. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause excessive or uneven pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and more serious bite problems.

Just as there are many causes for tooth sensitivity, your dental team at Gary A. Olen, DDS, MS, Inc. & Michael Maurer, DDS, Inc. has many solutions to restore your child’s comfortable, healthy smile.

Choose Healthy Dental Products

• If your family doesn’t use soft-bristled brushes, trade in your old models ASAP, or try an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes and water flossers can be especially helpful for cleaning around braces if your child’s in orthodontic treatment.
• Fluoride treatments can help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Your pediatric dentist and hygienist at Gary A. Olen, DDS, MS, Inc. & Michael Maurer, DDS, Inc. can provide your children with lessons on proper brushing and flossing techniques and tools which will last a lifetime.

Encourage a Dental-Healthy Diet

• Cut down on acidic and sugary foods and treats.
• Check food label ingredients. The amount of acids and sugars in foods like sodas and sports drinks could surprise you!
• If your child does eat something acidic, it’s best not to brush right away. Rinsing with water and waiting an hour to brush gives the enamel time to restrengthen and remineralize.

Schedule Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

• Regular exams will discover any cavities before they become deeper and more damaging.
• Gum disease can cause gum recession, exposing those sensitive, cementum-covered roots. the doctor will look out for any signs of early gum disease and offer tips for gum health.

Treat Injuries Immediately

• If you suspect your child has an injured tooth, call your dentist at once to prevent more serious damage or infection.

Protect Your Child’s Smile from Trauma

• A custom-fitted nightguard can prevent enamel erosion and other damage caused by bruxism.
• Insist on a mouthguard when your child plays contact sports or activities to protect teeth from injuries.
• If your child wears braces, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard or mouthguard designed to work with braces.

Consider Orthodontic Treatment

• If the doctor sees signs of bite problems, talk about the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

The first step in treating tooth sensitivity is a visit to Gary A. Olen, DDS, MS, Inc. & Michael Maurer, DDS, Inc. in El Cajon, California to diagnose the source of that discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is time sensitive. Take care of small problems before they become serious ones, and you’ll help make sure your children’s smiles are something they’re not the least bit sensitive about!