Why Dentin Is Just As Important As Tooth Enamel

When it comes to the health and function of our teeth, dentin plays a crucial role that often goes unnoticed. While enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, gets most of the attention, dentin is the unsung hero that lies beneath. This vital layer not only provides structural support but also acts as a protective barrier and sensory network, making it essential for preventing issues like tooth sensitivity pain.¹

In this article, we’ll look at the structure and composition of dentin, explore its importance in tooth health, and discuss issues like dentin sensitivity. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to manage and protect your dentin and ways to find tooth sensitivity relief to help strengthen your smile and improve quality of life.

What is Dentin?

The Structure and Composition of Dentin

Dentin represents the largest tissue layer and a critical component of your teeth.² It rests between the outer enamel layer and the inner pulp chamber. This chamber houses the soft tissue at the core of the tooth, where there are nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.³

Made up of mineral and organic components, dentin isn’t as hard as enamel, but it is still harder than bone. This helps it provide structural integrity and protection while maintaining limited flexibility to absorb the pressure of chewing various foods.⁴

The Role of Dentin in Tooth Health

The importance of dentin can’t be overstated — it serves multiple important functions in the tooth, such as:

Supportive layer
Dentin provides the bulk of the tooth's structure, offering essential support and strength. It acts as a buffer between the highly mineralized enamel and the soft, sensitive dental pulp.

Sensory network
Small channels within dentin – called dentinal tubules – serve as pathways for sensory signals. This is how the nerves inside the tooth flag temperature changes in food and drink without you feeling pain or discomfort. But, when the dentin is exposed, such as in cases of enamel erosion or an exposed tooth root, these tubules can cause too much sensitivity to external stimuli, leading to dentin sensitivity.⁵

Regenerative capacity
Dentin has a limited regenerative capacity. When the tooth is damaged, odontoblasts (cells that form dentin) can produce new dentin to repair that damage. ¹ This process is slow, however, and may not be sufficient to fully restore the tooth in severe cases.⁴

Why is Dentin Important?

As you can see, having healthy dentin in teeth is a non-negotiable if you want to keep your smile in tip-top condition and discomfort to a minimum.

Dentin's Role in Tooth Sensitivity

Let’s dig further into those microscopic tubules within dentin that serve as pathways for sensory signals – and why they can be the reason your tooth hurts when eating sweets. When the protective outer enamel layer is worn away, these tubules become exposed, allowing external stimuli to reach the nerves inside the tooth.

This exposure can lead to sharp, sometimes painful sensations. If it feels like your teeth are suddenly sensitive when enjoying your favorite ice cream or sipping hot coffee, you might have exposed dentin tubules due to degraded enamel.

Dentin's Connection to Gum Health

Gum recession can be a significant factor in the exposure of dentin.⁶ It can stem from a variety of causes, from genetics and inadequate oral care to lifestyle choices like smoking and improper brushing techniques.^7,8

When gums recede, they pull back from the tooth. This can expose the root surface, which is covered by a thin layer of a specialized substance called cementum.³  This exposure can make the dentin more vulnerable to external stimuli, leading to sensitivity.

This can also lead to an unfortunate catch-22: Regardless of the cause of gum recession, if sensitivity occurs, you might brush and floss less due to the discomfort. This reduction in oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to reach more vulnerable areas of the tooth.

Additionally, exposed dentin is more susceptible to decay and other dental issues, which can further compromise gum health. The moral of the story? Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent gum recession and protect dentin.⁹

Dentin's Role in Tooth Repair and Regeneration

Dentin has a limited but important regenerative capacity when the tooth is damaged. This process, known as secondary dentin formation, helps to protect the dental pulp and maintain the tooth's structural integrity.

If the regenerative process is too slow or insufficient to fully restore the tooth, dental procedures such as fillings or crowns can help reinforce the tooth structure and protect the dentin, preventing further damage and sensitivity.⁹

What is Dentin Hypersensitivity?

Dentin hypersensitivity is a condition characterized by sharp, sudden pain in teeth when they’re exposed to certain triggers. This pain is usually brief but can be quite uncomfortable and may continue for weeks or months.

The most widely accepted explanation for this condition is the hydrodynamic theory. Dentinal tubules connect the outer layer of your tooth to the inner pulp, where the nerves are located. The theory goes that when your teeth encounter things like cold drinks, hot coffee, sweet candy, or acidic foods, it causes fluid inside these tiny tubes to move.

This movement irritates the nerve endings at the ends of the tubes, which then send a pain signal to your brain.⁹

Causes of Dentin Sensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity can be caused by several factors, many of which are related to lifestyle and hygiene practices:

1. Enamel wear:

   • Poor oral hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly can allow harmful bacteria to accumulate, leading to cavities.

   • Acidic foods and drinks: Consuming acidic foods and beverages like soda, and wine can erode enamel over time.

   • Grinding teeth (bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth can also degrade enamel.¹⁰

2. Gum recession:

   • Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, causing gum inflammation and recession.

   • Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard can also damage the gums, causing them to recede.

   • Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can cause significant gum recession, exposing the roots of the teeth.⁷

3. Dietary factors:

   • High sugar intake: A diet high in sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to tooth decay and can contribute to gum disease.¹¹

Symptoms of Dentin Sensitivity

The primary symptom of dentin hypersensitivity is pain, which can be triggered by various stimuli:^9,12

1. Temperature:

   • Cold: Eating or drinking cold items like ice cream or ice water can cause sharp pain.

   • Hot: Hot foods and drinks, such as coffee or soup, can also trigger sensitivity.

2. Sugar:

   • Sweet foods and drinks, like candy or soda, can bring about discomfort and aches.

3. Touch:

   • Brushing or flossing can be painful, leading to poor oral hygiene practices and worsened pain.

4. Acidic substances:

   • Acidic foods and drinks can cause a sharp, painful sensation.

How to Manage Dentin Sensitivity

Lifestyle Changes

Managing tooth sensitivity can start with making a few lifestyle changes, such as avoiding acidic foods and drinks, like carbonated beverages. Additionally, adopting better oral hygiene practices can make a big difference. Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid further damage. When selecting a toothpaste and mouthwash, consider those with fluoride to help guard against external attacks.¹³

It’s also a good idea to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait about 30 minutes before brushing.

Dental Treatments

For severe cases, your oral healthcare provider may have professional dentin hypersensitivity treatments to recommend. Fluoride varnishes are an option that helps strengthen enamel, while bonding agents can be applied to seal exposed root surfaces and protect nerves.^14,15

Laser therapy is another advanced option that works by altering the dentinal tubules and reducing fluid movement.¹⁶ It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

LISTERINE^® Sensitivity Products

Another option to consider is LISTERINE® Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash, our best mouthrinse for sensitive teeth. This oral rinse provides 24-hour protection and relief from tooth sensitivity* while eliminating 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath. It offers relief from tooth sensitivity pain and discomfort triggered by cold, heat, acids, sweets, or contact.

*With continual use.

How To Protect Your Dentin

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques

How to protect teeth starts with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently for at least two minutes, twice a day. Choose a fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps strengthen enamel and helps protect against sensitivity. Flossing daily is also crucial, as it removes plaque and food particles that can lead to enamel erosion and eventually dentin exposure.¹⁷

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are vital for the early detection and management of dentin issues. Your dentist can identify signs of enamel wear and dentin exposure before they become severe.

During these visits, they can provide professional cleanings, apply fluoride treatments, and recommend additional protective measures. Routine checkups ensure issues are addressed promptly, helping to prevent further damage and maintain the health of your teeth.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet plays a role in protecting your dentin. Foods rich in calcium or vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fatty fish, are essential for strong teeth and bones.¹⁸ Opt for water or milk over sugary juices and drinks to keep your teeth healthy.

Avoiding Harmful Habits

Reducing harmful habits is crucial for protecting your dentin. Consider using a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth if you grind them during sleep. Nail-biting and chewing ice are other habits that can cause microfractures.¹⁹

Conclusion

Understanding and caring for your dentin is essential for maintaining overall oral health. By incorporating proper brushing techniques, regular dental checkups, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits, you can protect your dentin and help prevent sensitivity. Over-the-counter products like LISTERINE® Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash can also provide day-to-day relief and support your oral care routine.