Question

For some time now, my teeth have been very sensitive to hot and cold food. I went to the dentist. He says that my gums have receded. He recommends that I cover the necks of my teeth with a synthetic material. What exactly does that mean? Is it a good recommendation? F. K. in O. 

Short answer

There are various reasons why teeth react sensitively to cold or heat. To a small extent, gum recession is a normal ageing process. To a greater extent, however, it can be a sign of gum and bone inflammation or a sign of incorrect tooth brushing technique with too much pressure. There are various treatment options. 

Gum recession means that the part of the tooth root close to the crown, which is not naturally covered by protective and insulating enamel but is normally covered by the gums, is exposed to the outer surface. The fine processes of the dental nerves are thus more vulnerable to the stimuli in the oral cavity. 

To a lesser extent, gum recession is a normal aging process, but to a greater extent it can be a sign of gum and bone inflammation (periodontitis) or a sign of a "scrubbing" tooth brushing technique with too much force. 

Finding the cause 

Before any treatment of the teeth, the cause of the receding gums must be sought. If gum inflammation or even periodontitis is to blame for the receding gums, this disease must be treated first. 

If an unsuitable tooth brushing technique is the cause, this should be corrected. A correct cleaning method with a rather soft toothbrush and a gentle fluoride toothpaste protects against further gum recession and will also reduce sensitivity. 

Professional advice from a dental hygienist or dentist is advisable. Newer, electric toothbrushes can also provide good service here. 

Possible treatment 

Exposed tooth root surfaces can be protected or re-covered in three ways. The easiest way is to cover them with a protective varnish that makes them insensitive. This measure can be repeated several times, but is unfortunately not always sufficiently successful. 

Another option is to move the gum back to its previous location with a minor surgical procedure or to transplant gum tissue over the root surface. This therapy is not possible in all cases. However, if it can be carried out, the effect is very successful and usually lifelong. 

However, if the "abrasive" tooth brushing technique has caused a dent or wedge-shaped defect with loss of tooth substance at the root over the years, this can be filled with plastic (composite). This filling protects the tooth from further abrasion when brushing and also eliminates the unpleasant hypersensitivity. 

Author: Dr. med. dent. Jürg Eppenberger
Published in: Neue Luzerner Zeitung on October 28, 2009