Age-related causes of tooth sensitivity

Although young people can experience tooth sensitivity, it’s a common complaint among seniors. This sharp, shooting sensation can make enjoying your favorite foods and beverages uncomfortable and even painful. Here, we explain some of the age-related reasons why teeth become more sensitive and what you can do to ease it.

The link between age and tooth sensitivity
Overall, tooth sensitivity is caused by an issue with your enamel — the white outer coating of your tooth. The enamel covers and protects the dentin of your tooth. If your enamel wears away, the dentin is exposed and extreme temperatures — cold or hot — are quickly transmitted to the nerve at the center of the tooth. This causes the nerves to react and can result in pain.

One of the most common age-related causes of tooth sensitivity is wear and tear, which simply means that your enamel thins over time. Years of rough toothbrushing, lack of good oral hygiene, consuming highly acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus) and teeth grinding can all lead to the wearing down of enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity.

Another age-related cause of tooth sensitivity is gum disease and receding gums (when the gums pull away from your teeth), which become more common as we get older.

Dry mouth may also lead to tooth sensitivity in older adults. Dry mouth is a common issue for seniors, often caused by medications or medical conditions. Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy by washing away food particles and buffering harmful acids. When saliva production decreases, your teeth are more prone to cavities and sensitivity.

Simple ways to ease tooth sensitivity at home
The harsh reality with enamel is that once you lose it, you can’t grow or get it back. That’s why it’s important to address any concerns about tooth sensitivity as early as possible. Many forms of tooth sensitivity are mild and can be managed at home. Here are some ways you can help protect your enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity:

Update your at-home dental products: Using a desensitizing toothpaste and fluoridated mouthwash may help reduce tooth sensitivity. We always suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush but if you experience sensitivity, you may want an extra soft toothbrush to allow for more gentle brushing.
Make a few dietary changes: Limiting acidic food and drink (like citrus, tomatoes, tea and soda) in your diet can reduce enamel erosion, and avoiding ultra hot or icy items can help lessen tooth sensitivity symptoms.
Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is a great way to prevent dry mouth.

When to see your dentist for tooth sensitivity
If at-home options aren’t helping your tooth sensitivity, it’s important to see your dentist. Sensitivity could be a sign of a bigger problem like cavities or gum disease. Your dentist can find the cause of your sensitivity and recommend dental procedures to protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity.

You don’t have to live with tooth pain
Some increase in tooth sensitivity is normal as we age, but it doesn’t mean you have to live in discomfort. By understanding the causes of sensitivity and working with your dentist, you can keep your teeth healthy and reduce pain, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite foods and drinks.

It’s important to see a dentist if you notice any changes in your teeth or gums. If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist, Delta Dental of Iowa is here to help. Our online Find a Provider tool helps you easily find an in-network dentist nearby. Or, you can call us at the number on the back of your Delta Dental ID card, and our Customer Service team will help you find a dentist who can help protect your smile.

SOURCES:

Colgate

Cleveland Clinic

National Library of Medicine

National Institute of Craniofacial Research

Vegan oral healthcare products

With the rise of veganism and cruelty-free lifestyles, many people are seeking out dental products that align with their values. Fortunately, you can find a whole range of animal-free oral health products nowadays from toothbrushes and floss to whitening kits and eco-friendly toothpaste tabs.

However, terms like "vegan," "cruelty-free," and "natural" can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of what these labels mean, the ingredients to watch for and why maintaining a regular dental care routine is essential.

Clarifying terms: Vegan, cruelty-free, and natural

Vegan: Vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals. However, they may still contain animal-derived ingredients.
Natural: Natural products are made from ingredients that come from natural sources. However, they may not necessarily be vegan or cruelty-free.
Eco-friendly: Eco-friendly products are designed to create less harm on the environment from production and packaging to disposal. This includes using earth-friendly materials, and reducing waste and energy. Eco-friendly does not necessarily mean vegan.

These terms often overlap, which can cause a lot of confusion. The easiest way to determine if a product is truly vegan is to check the label to see if it identifies the product as vegan.

Animal-derived ingredients in dental products

When many of us think of animal products, we think of meat, fish and dairy — and why would any of those ingredients be in a dental product? But there could be some animal byproducts used in dental products. If an animal is used in any way in the making of the product, even if the animal is not killed, it’s not vegan.

Below are some hidden animal-derived ingredients that are commonly added to dental products like toothpaste and floss.

Glycerin: Often coming from animal fats, glycerin is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes to help moisturize the mouth.
Calcium phosphate: Sourced from bones, calcium phosphate is often used in toothpaste to help keep teeth strong.
Propolis and beeswax: Propolis is produced by bees and may be used in toothpaste for its antibacterial properties, and beeswax is often used to make natural dental floss.

Common ingredients in vegan dental products

Vegan dental products substitute animal-derived ingredients with plant-based or artificial alternatives. Some of the common ingredients you'll find include:

Plant-based glycerin: In vegan products, glycerin is often derived from vegetable oils like coconut or soy.
Hydrated silica: This mineral-based substance helps clean and polish teeth in place of calcium phosphate.
Xylitol: A natural sweetener derived from plants, xylitol is common in vegan toothpaste and has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria.¹
Essential oils: Many vegan toothpastes use natural essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil for flavor.

The products may change but regular brushing and flossing remains

Switching to vegan dental products is a great choice for those looking to avoid animal-based ingredients or support cruelty-free brands, but it’s still important to maintain a twice-daily brushing and flossing routine.

Regardless of the type of product you use, proper at-home dental hygiene is crucial for preventing cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Make sure to brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste, as this mineral strengthens enamel (the outer coating of your tooth) and protects against cavities. If you want to use a fluoride-free vegan option, talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth.

Of course, at-home dental products are only one piece of your total oral healthcare puzzle. The other big part is to see your dentist twice a year. Talk to your dentist about the vegan products you use to ensure they are effectively protecting your mouth. And if you need a new dentist, Delta Dental of Iowa is here for you. Use our online Find a Provider tool today to find a dentist near you.

REFERENCE:

1. Delta Dental of California

SOURCES:

Great Green Wall

Colgate

Vegan Rabbit

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research