The Three Layers of a Tooth
To talk about sensitive teeth, we must first begin by talking about the anatomy of a tooth. On the outer surface, we have the enamel, a hydroxyapatite crystalline structure. That’s basically fancy scientific talk to describe the immensely strong structure that is the enamel. In fact, the enamel is actually the hardest structure in the entire human body!
Next, we have the dentin, a softer material that is comprised of tiny channels called the dentin tubules. The dentin tubules are what carries fluids and nutrients between the pulp and the dentin itself. Overall, the dentin helps support the enamel and is a crucial layer for why we feel tooth sensitivity (more on this later).
Lastly, we have the innermost layer called the pulp. High highly vascularized and richly innervated area that serves to provide your tooth with basic nutrients and signals crucial for survival of the tooth. You can think of this area as the heart of your tooth. Anything that may compromise this area, like cavities or dental trauma, may cause you to get the tooth extracted or a root canal. More on that topic here.
So Why Am I feeling Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things and are not limited to weak enamel, exposed dentin, genetically different composition of the tooth. You may be feeling lingering pain, short intense pain, or pain that is brought on by sweets, hot and cold food/beverages, and acidic foods (like lemons and oranges). This is why it’s important to visit your dentist so they can properly diagnose the reason for why your teeth are sensitive and prescribe you a proper treatment for it.
At the core of the problem however, most tooth sensitivity can be attributed to the breakdown of enamel and exposure of the dentinal tubule. Once this outer enamel layer is gone, the dentinal tubules we talked about earlier provides a direct channel to your pulp! As you can recall, the pulp is a richly innervated area that is sensitive to slight signals that come in from your outside environment. Furthermore, bacteria can use these direct channels to infect the pulp and cause you even more intense pain as they eat away at this rich center of your tooth.
If this enamel breakdown is caught early on, your dentist can possibly remineralize your enamel and prevent you from having to get fillings. How you may ask? Fluoride gels or MI Paste. Fluoride has long been attributed to preventing cavities for exactly this reason. It is known that fluoride will remineralize your tooth and fill in those gaps within the hydroxyapatite crystalline structure. Much in the same way, a milk based product called MI paste will help prevent cavities and possibly have you teeth feeling normal again.
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