Brushing teeth with toothpaste can cause unpleasant discomfort. This often signals underlying sensitivity, and understanding why helps address the problem.
How Teeth Become Sensitive
A tooth has several layers: the hard outer enamel, the softer dentin beneath it, and the innermost pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. Enamel, the body’s hardest substance, typically protects the dentin. Dentin contains thousands of microscopic channels, called dentinal tubules, which lead directly to the tooth’s pulp.
When the protective enamel layer wears down or the gums recede, these dentinal tubules become exposed. External stimuli, such as the chemicals in toothpaste, can then travel through these exposed tubules to the nerves within the pulp. This stimulation irritates the nerve, resulting in the sharp, sudden pain associated with tooth sensitivity.
Underlying Dental Conditions Causing Pain
Toothpaste often triggers pain when underlying dental conditions compromise tooth structure, exposing dentin. Enamel erosion, a common cause, occurs when acids from foods, drinks, or even stomach acid wear away the protective enamel layer. Aggressive brushing can also contribute to enamel wear.
Gum recession, where gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposes the root surfaces that lack enamel, making them highly sensitive. This recession can result from gum disease, aging, or overly vigorous brushing.
Cavities, or tooth decay, also expose the sensitive dentin and pulp as decay progresses, leading to pain triggered by external stimuli. Cracked or fractured teeth, even tiny cracks, can allow substances to reach the dentin and irritate the nerves, causing sharp pain, especially when biting or exposed to temperature changes.
Recent dental procedures, such as fillings, deep cleanings, or whitening treatments, can also cause temporary sensitivity. During these procedures, enamel might be removed, or the tooth’s nerve can become irritated.
Toothpaste Ingredients and Their Impact
Certain toothpaste ingredients can exacerbate sensitivity in vulnerable teeth. Abrasives, often present in whitening toothpastes, are designed to scrub away stains but can also wear down enamel and expose dentin over time. These particles can irritate exposed nerve endings.
Foaming agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), create lather. While SLS aids distribution and debris removal, it can also irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to dryness, burning sensations, or increased sensitivity for some individuals.
Strong flavorings, particularly intense mint, can trigger a painful response in sensitive teeth. Additionally, some whitening chemicals, such as peroxides, can penetrate enamel and irritate the nerve, causing temporary sensitivity. Tartar control agents, like pyrophosphates, may also contribute to discomfort. These ingredients can either directly stimulate the exposed dentin or cause a mild inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues.
Steps for Relief and Professional Guidance
To find relief from toothpaste-related sensitivity, several steps can be taken. Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste is a primary recommendation, as these products contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that work to either calm the nerve or block the exposed dentinal tubules.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and applying less pressure during brushing can prevent further enamel wear and gum recession. Adjusting dietary habits by reducing the consumption of acidic foods and beverages can help protect enamel from erosion. Incorporating foods rich in calcium, like dairy products and leafy greens, can support enamel strength.
If sensitivity persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or a lingering toothache, consulting a dentist is important. A dental professional can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, including specific dental procedures or further oral hygiene adjustments.