Ankita Sogani, a resident, asks: I have this strange problem, it’s fine normally, but as soon as I take lime or something sour, my tooth starts aching and sometimes it is unbearable. Could you please guide me as to what causes this and what precautions I can take?
Dr Roby Maria Isaac, Endodontist, Aster Medical Centre, Al Nahda, replies: Dear Ankita, Thank you for sharing your dental concerns.
First of all, from your question, it is very clear that you are experiencing sensitivity that is beyond normal range for a healthy tooth. A look into the anatomy of a normal tooth will help clear your doubts in this regard.
The tooth, in common knowledge, has two parts; the crown above, and the roots below. A healthy tooth crown has the protective covering of the ENAMEL, which wards off abnormal sensations. Beneath this layer, is the DENTIN, which due to the presence of tiny tubules, send sensations to the third and innermost layer, the PULP. Pain perception is only possible in the pulp. Though the three layers are also present in the root, the enamel counterpart in the root is very thin. This factor can enhance sensitivity, if the roots are abnormally exposed due to gum recession.
Now, in your case, it is quite evident that you either have a FAULTY ENAMEL, i.e., CAVITY somewhere along the tooth, sending abnormal sensations to the pulp; or you are dealing with GUM RECESSION, pathologically exposing your tooth roots to the oral environment. If your sensation is generalized, it is more likely you are dealing with gum recession; but if it Is localized to a few teeth, your dentist will probably have to rule out CERVICAL DEFECTS (cavities at the necks of the tooth).
The other causes of sensitivity are:
- Gum disease ( GINGIVITIS)
- Cracked teeth.
- Over use of over-the-counter tooth whitening products.
- Brushing too hard.
- Regular consumption of highly acidic foods.
- Recent routine dental procedures, like teeth cleaning and filling may cause a temporary sensitivity, which usually disappears in 4 to 6 weeks.
Since you had also mentioned about the presence of PAIN while taking sour diet, it is important to note how long the pain lasts; and also whether you have such sensations to hot or cold. If the pain is of short duration, and resolves as soon as the stimulus is removed; you probably have a REVERSIBLE PULPAL INFLAMMATION, that can be taken care of by visiting a dentist and filling the defects in your tooth (RESTORATIONS). But if the pain is of a longer duration, it may indicate IRREVERSIBLE PULPAL INFLAMMATION, which normally resolves only by adequately treating the pulp, i.e. ROOT CANAL TREATMENT. You will definitely need professional dental help in both these scenarios.
After consulting a dentist to check your pulpal status, any additional tooth sensitivity can be reduced by;
- Using a desensitizing toothpaste or mouth rinse – works well in root exposure cases
- Using a soft bristled tooth brush, that causes minimal tooth abrasion.
- Using fluoridated dental products.
- Limiting consumption of highly acidic foods, that cause tooth erosion.
- Habitual teeth grinders can use a mouth guard at night.
- Visiting your dentist for scaling (cleaning) teeth at least once in six months. As opposed to the common misconception, this prevents gum recession and ensuing sensitivity in the long run.
- Maintain good oral hygiene (brush and floss regularly)
Disclaimer: This blog is a conversation and is not an alternative for treatment. The recommendations and suggestions offered by our panel of doctors are their own and Gulf News will not take any responsibility for the advice they provide
