Millions of Americans have sensitive teeth.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, forty (40) million Americans, or one in eight dental patients, have sensitive teeth. ***
Healthy teeth have a layer of enamel that protects the crowns of your teeth above the gumline. Under the gums is a layer called cementum. It protects the tooth root. Underneath the enamel and the cementum is dentin. It isn’t very dense and contains microscopic tubules. As dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to hit the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin can also be exposed when gums recede, resulting in hypersensitivity.
People have teeth sensitivity for various reasons. Those reasons may include:
- brushing teeth too hard
- using a hard toothbrush
- teeth grinding at night which means nerves are less protected
- eating or drinking foods or beverages high in acid
- gum disease
- post dental treatment sensitivity from crowns, fillings, and tooth bleaching
Sensitive teeth can occur at any age. Usually, it happens to adults ages 20-50. They are most likely to report sensitive teeth. Peak reports of teeth hypersensitivity occur in patients between 30-40 years of age. No exact reason is known. It could be that the physical structure of the tooth changes with age. However, older adults are more likely to have receding gums, one of the main causes of sensitive teeth. It may also be wear and tear on the tooth enamel, which occurs over many years.
Many people who have sensitive teeth have their teeth whitened. Teeth whitening involves applying a bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide). This process removes stains and gives teeth a whiter appearance.
Experienced and licensed dental staff use higher concentrations of peroxide rather than OTC (over-the-counter) tooth whitening kits, so professional tooth whitening can result in whiter, healthier teeth.
Peroxides are commonly used. They may cause temporary teeth sensitivity as peroxide passes through the tooth and changes the color of the teeth. However, hydrogen peroxide has harmless, oxidizing properties. It will remove stain molecules that release free radicals that can cause damage to enamel and gum tissue.
So, if you have sensitive teeth, you can still opt for teeth whitening. The sensitivity is only temporary but the stains on your teeth will be scrubbed clean resulting in a stunning white color that will enhance and beautify your smile.
If you are not happy with your smile, consult your dentist about teeth whitening. Your dentist will inspect your teeth thoroughly and recommend the best course(s) of action.
All Smiles Bethesda offers tooth whitening services done by our experienced dental staff. We would like to help you maintain your teeth and treat dental issues in their beginning stages versus advanced stages. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call us at 301-984-9646 or email us at info@allsmilesbethesda.com or lorraine@allsmilesbethesda.com.
We serve the Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Washington, DC areas.
*** Read more about tooth sensitivity at the Academy of General Dentistry website.