Why Your Teeth are Sensitive and Tips to Overcome it

Why Your Teeth are Sensitive and Tips to Overcome it

Typically, dental sensitivity is a sharp and sudden pain. The pain is usually temporary and may feel as though it is shooting from one tooth to another. This sensation is caused by the tooth's nerve endings. Even though the condition is terrible and can feel never-ending, the sensitivity can be treated successfully. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

There are no particular groups of people who face a higher risk of developing dental sensitivity. Dental sensitivity can happen to pretty much anyone, and it can happen at any point in your life.

Common Symptoms of Dental Sensitivity

While the symptoms of dental sensitivity can range from mild to severe, the symptoms are pretty standard from patient to patient, and include a sudden sharp pain when teeth are exposed to any of the following:

     • air

     • cold

     • sweet

     • acidic

     • hot food or drink

     • brushing or flossing

Healthy Teeth

The structure of healthy teeth ensures that the enamel of each tooth protects the underlying dentin. Dentin is a lot softer than tooth enamel and must be protected to prevent pain and infection. The roots of the teeth are protected by the gums, but there are several conditions that allow sensitive, inner portions of the tooth to become exposed, leading to sensitivity.

If the enamel wears down, or the gum line recedes, the dentin inside of the tooth becomes exposed. Things like cavities, gum recession and cracks in the enamel can cause portions of the sensitive dentin to become exposed. Since dentin is connected to the nerves inside your teeth, sensitivity can quickly arise.

What is Dentin?

Dentin is the soft tissue inside of teeth, under the enamel, that is connected to nerves. When the dentin touches a trigger, it causes pain in teeth that are considered sensitive.

Dentin is very porous, and it contains thousands of microscopic channels and tubules. These tiny tubes lead to the pulp of the tooth. When pulp is exposed to elements they should be protected from, it causes pain.

Contributing Factors to Developing Tooth Sensitivity

There are many different factors that can contribute to the development of dental sensitivity; these factors may include:

     • Brushing using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or brushing too hard can cause damage to tooth enamel. This break down of tooth enamel over time can cause the dentin to become exposed. It can also cause the gums to recede.

     • Receding Gums are another cause of exposed dentin. This is a common problem for people who are suffering from periodontal disease or other types of gum disease. Over time, both conditions cause the dentin of the teeth to become exposed.

     • Gingivitis causes the gums to become sore and inflamed. The combination of the two can cause exposure to one or more tooth roots. This can lead to dental sensitivity.

     • Cracks in the teeth can easily fill with bacteria and plaque. The pulp inside the tooth can easily become inflamed, causing pain. In severe cases, it can cause abscess and infection.

     • Grinding and clenching teeth can cause the breakdown of the enamel, exposing the tiny tubes that lead to the dentin of teeth. 

     • Build-up of plaque

     • Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acid, and long term use allows the acid to increase preexisting dental sensitivity and damage the dentin layer further. Choosing a natural fluoride mouthwash is always a better option.

     • Acidic foods can dramatically reduce the strength of tooth enamel.

     • Some dental procedures can cause sensitivity. Cleaning, crown replacements, and tooth restoration procedures can produce temporary sensitivity. Typically this sensitivity is temporary and only lasts between four to six weeks.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

When teeth are sensitive, the condition never completely goes away. However, the symptoms can be lessened, and the sensitivity can be eliminated, but it may come and go over time. 

There are several treatments that have been proven effective, but the best way to determine the course of treatment is determining the reason for the sensitivity. Once the reason for the sensitivity is determined, a treatment plan can be developed.

Available Treatments

After determining the cause of tooth sensitivity, there are many different approaches to treating it. These treatments include:

     • There are many brands of desensitizing toothpaste on the market. Your dentist may recommend a particular brand or may recommend that you change brands if your current one is not working.

     • Use a toothbrush marked as a soft-bristled option

     • Avoid acidic foods

     • Use a recommended fluoridated mouthwash daily.

     • Use a mouth guard to avoid grinding your teeth in your sleep.

Following the recommendations from the American Dental Association can dramatically reduce the number of sensitivity flares someone experiences. At times, dental procedures may be required. Procedures like bonding or crowns, fluoride gels or varnish, gum grafts, or a root canal may be necessary to alleviate dental sensitivity.

About the Author

Dr. Marichia is a leading Nassau County Periodontist. Learn mre about her services by visiting her website.