Exposed Dentine: Causes, Symptoms, Risks and Treatments

Your teeth rely on enamel as it is a strong and durable outer layer that protects your teeth. However, if enamel is worn down or gum recession occurs then the dentine will be exposed. This causes acute pain, puts your teeth at a higher risk of decay and affects the way you can eat. By understanding what can happen when you expose your dentine you can help to keep your oral health in check and seek treatment from your dentist. Many people do not take the initial sensitivity seriously and expose their dentine causing serious oral issues. Since enamel does not regrow it is important to understand what happens so you can take action.

What Is the Dentine Layer?

Dentine is the inner layer of every tooth in humans. Found just below the hard white enamel layer it protects the inner pulp chamber that contains living nerves and blood vessels. Unlike enamel, dentine has millions of small holes running from the outer surface to your inner nerve. This is known as dentinal tubules. When the enamel is worn away or gum recession occurs the dentinal tubules are left exposed. This causes external factors such as hot drinks, cold drinks and sweet foods to enter the dentinal tubules and cause a sharp pain in the nerve. Each dentinal tubule acts like a highway.

Why Does Your Dentine Get Exposed?

There are many reasons that can cause enamel to get worn away. Understanding the causes will help reduce further damage.

• Brushing too hard – Using a hard bristled toothbrush can cause enamel to wear away and cause gum recession.

• Acidic foods and drinks – Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and sport drinks can cause your teeth to lose minerals very quickly.

• Teeth grinding – Grinding your teeth whilst you sleep can cause extreme force and cause micro fractures in the enamel.

• Gum disease – Bacterial infection can cause gums to wear away and expose the root of your teeth.

• Aging – Over the decades of living your enamel will become thinner.

• Acid reflux – Stomach acid will often affect your teeth and cause enamel to wear away.

What Are the Symptoms of Exposed Dentine?

Once your enamel has worn away you will start to feel symptoms in your mouth.

• Temperature sensitivity – Cold drinks such as ice water or hot coffee can cause sharp pain in your teeth.

• Sweet and sour food – Eating things like sweet foods, vinegar dressing or sour fruits will cause sharp pain.

• Brushing – The friction caused by the bristles brushing against your roots will cause some pain.

• Discoloration – The dentine will appear darker/yellower than white enamel due to being non-transparent.

• Pain – You will experience some pain after eating/drinking.

Why Does Exposed Dentine Cause Sharp Pain?

Our bodies have a complex nerve system that causes us to feel pain. Once your dentine is exposed it will trigger this system.

• Fluid movement – External temperatures and pressure cause fluid to move through the open dentinal tubules.

• Nerve irritation – The fluid causes the nerves inside the pulp chamber to stretch and become irritated.

• Nerve sends signals to brain – This causes the nerves to send rapid signals to your brain causing acute pain.

• No natural protection – As there is no enamel to block the dentinal tubules everyday feelings will not be blocked by your bodies natural protection.

• Hydrodynamic theory – The feeling is explained using hydrodynamics. It proves that the fluid movement in the dentinal tubules causes irritation to the pulp nerves.

What Are the Risks of Leaving Exposed Dentine Untreated?

If you leave your dentine exposed it can cause many problems. Since enamel cannot regrow the damage will get worse over time.

• Fast decay – Bacteria can easily enter the dentine layer causing cavities to form much quicker than on hard enamel.

• Deep infections – If decay is not treated it will travel through the dentinal tubules and cause infection to the living nerve in the center. This causes painful abscesses and will need root canal treatment.

• Weakness – Continuous erosion will cause your teeth to become thinner increasing the chance of your teeth chipping/cracking.

• Constant pain – Constant sensitivity will make you change your diet to avoid eating your favorite foods.

• Tooth loss – If decay and gum recession is left to get worse it will cause your whole tooth to be lost. This will mean you will need surgery to remove it and will need artificial replacements.

What Treatments Are Available for Exposed Dentine?

There are many treatments available to help close off your dentine. Your dentist can provide you with a treatment depending on how worn your enamel is.

• Desensitizing varnishes – Your dentist will apply a strong fluoride varnish or bonding agent to your teeth.

• Sealants – A resin sealant will be applied to protect your roots.

• Gum grafts – If you have severe gum recession your periodontist will graft healthy tissue onto your roots.

• Prescription toothpaste – Your dentist can give you special toothpastes that contain high amounts of minerals.

• Composite bonding – Your dentist will apply a tooth colored resin to cover up your dentine.

How Can You Prevent Exposing Dentine?

There are many ways to prevent your dentine from becoming exposed. Small changes can make a big difference.

• Use soft brushes – Use a soft bristled brush and brush in gentle circles.

• Fluoride – Brush daily with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

• Reduce acidic intake – Try to reduce the amount of sugary carbonated drinks and acidic juices you consume. Drink water after meals.

• Night guard – Ask your dentist to provide you with a night guard. This will help if you grind your teeth unconsciously whilst sleeping.

• Regular visits – Visit your dentist every 6 months for check-ups.

How Can You Keep Your Dentine Healthy?

Keeping your dentine healthy involves everyday effort, making smart dietary choices and seeking treatment from your dentist. Once your enamel has worn away your teeth will not have their main defense against bacteria, temperature changes and pressure. By seeking treatment as soon as you start to feel sensitivity you can save your natural smile and avoid costly complex treatments. Speak to your dentist today to assess your enamel
health and create a plan to prevent any issues.