There are various reasons our teeth can hurt–such as decay, leaking fillings, fractured teeth or an abscessed nerve. However, root sensitivity is the most common culprit, as one-third of Americans are affected. Cold air, brushing, hot or cold foods can all cause pain if you have root sensitivity. 

The roots are not covered with enamel like the top of the tooth. The root is made of tubules of dentin aiming in toward the nerve, or pulp, of the tooth. When the dentin becomes exposed as in recession, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth. So, when something scrapes across the end of the tubule along the gum line—you send an impulse through the tubule to the nerve. Ouch! 

This can affect the quality of your life. Are you drinking through a straw to avoid certain roots? Are you brushing with warm water? Are you avoiding opening your mouth in cold air? 

Anywhere from 50 to 88 percent of adults have some area of gum recession, which is most commonly caused by brushing incorrectly or grinding your teeth. Use of an electric toothbrush with proper technique can help prevent recession.

Many people are born with “thin”gums and tend to get recession easily. Everyone has twotypes of gum, a tough fibrous gum immediately around the teeth and lip lining beyond that. When you run out of tough fibrous gum, you may need a “gum graft” to stop the recession. 

Wear on the chewing surface can also cause sensitivity, as can bleaching teeth. Chemical erosion is another cause of root sensitivity. This can occur in people who drink excessive amounts of carbonated beverages or suck on highly acidic foods, such as lemons or limes. The acids actually eat away the protective enamel right along the gum line, leading to sensitivity.

Here are some solutions to root sensitivity:

• Cut back on carbonated beverages.

• Do not use bleaching agents onyour teeth.

• Use a good quality electric toothbrush rather than manual, as you will remove more plaque and abrade less gum, resulting in less recession.

• Use baking soda/fluoride toothpaste without silica abrasives in it. Baking soda is less abrasive than toothpaste.

• Do not use peroxide toothpastes.

• Use a fluoride gel/rinse before bed that plugs up your dentin tubules with fluoride to stop sensitivity and prevent root decay.

• Consider having guided tissue regeneration to regrow bone and gum on the root where there is recession.

Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S., graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry, subsequently earning certification in periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania. A periodontist, Hendrix specializes in gum and dental implant surgery and has practiced for over 27 years. Passionate about people, Hendrix has traveled worldwide providing free dental care through mission work.