Are your teeth sensitive? You likely experience mild to severe discomfort in your teeth when you bite down or consume hot or cold food. There is no cause for concern, tooth sensitivity is quite common. There are various measures you can take to prevent or treat tooth sensitivity.
We will discuss teeth sensitivity in this article so that you may gain a deeper understanding of its causes and some preventative measures.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Millions of individuals worldwide are affected by tooth sensitivity, a common dental condition. It is a fleeting occurrence of a sharp pain or discomfort in one or more teeth in response to specific stimuli. This makes eating or drinking a challenge.
This typically occurs when the dentin, the underlying layer of your teeth, becomes exposed. Additionally, random tooth sensitivity may indicate the presence of cavities, periodontal disease, or a fractured tooth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
- Rooted in Inner Tooth Exposure
The tooth root is a portion of the tooth within the bone cavity. Cementum, a connective tissue that envelops them, is firm but not as rigid as tooth enamel. Therefore, if the tooth roots are exposed, the cementum may rapidly deteriorate or be removed through scrubbing.
If the cementum is eroded, the dentin tubules permit heated, cold, acidic, or sticky substances to permeate the nerve pulp within the tooth roots, resulting in the development of sensitivity.
- Causes for Dentin Exposure
Dentin hypersensitivity is characterized by the exposure of tubules contained within the dentin, which is typically brought about by gingival recession or enamel erosion. Upon exposure, these tubules may encounter stimuli that stimulate fluid movement within them, potentially resulting in a brief, sharp pain.
- Cementum Exposure From The Gumline
Cementum loss results in the exposure of the dentin beneath the tooth. When dentin is compromised, tooth sensitivity may develop. Although complications may arise from cementum loss, it is important to note that dental diseases can also be a factor. For instance, periodontitis or gum disease may result in cementum loss. This condition occurs when the bone structure and supporting fibres of the teeth sustain irreparable damage. In advanced gum disease, loosening or shifting of teeth occurs due to the degradation of cementum and bones; in some cases, tooth extraction may be required.
Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Here are some of the triggers of tooth sensitivity:
- Hot Food – Drinking or eating hot foods and beverages, including soups, coffee, and teas, as well as anything just removed from the microwave or saucepan can be painful for your teeth.
- Cold Food – Beverages and chilled foods, including ice cream bars, ice cream cones, desserts, and ice from carbonated beverages can trigger sensitivity.
- Cold Air – Inhaling cold air during the winter or near an air conditioning unit can induce a painful reaction.
- Cold Water – Drinking ice-cold water can trigger sensitivity as much as a bite of ice cream, even if it is used for routine dental cleanings.
- Sweet Food – Sweet foods and beverages, including cakes and carbonated drinks, that are excessively sugary or contain a high concentration of sweeteners, can cause discomfort for your sensitive teeth.
- Acidic Food – Acidic foods and beverages, such as those containing vinegar or acidic fruits like citrus, have the potential to damage teeth that have dentin or cementum that are partially exposed.
- Brushing or Flossing Teeth – Urgently consult a dentist if discomfort develops while flossing or cleansing your teeth. It could be caused by tooth sensitivity or a cavity.
- Alcohol – Your sensitive teeth may be affected by alcoholic beverages, including mouthwash containing alcohol. This may be because alcohol is a corrosive substance that can irritate the teeth. You can use a nonalcoholic mouthwash instead.
Factors Affecting Tooth Sensitivity
A number of factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth Grinding – Bruxism is an unconscious grinding of the teeth that can lead to the erosion of the enamel, ultimately revealing the dentin.
- Overbrushing – It is possible to brush your teeth excessively vigorously. You should brush your teeth frequently enough to prevent cavities and poor breath, but doing so by brushing too hard can cause damage to or pain in sensitive teeth.
- Dental Treatments or Cleaning – Ironically, excessive teeth cleaning or filling of the same tooth to place fillings results in exposed dentin and a thinner enamel.
- Tooth Decay – Sensitivity can be brought on by worn-down fillings, chipped teeth, damaged teeth, and tooth decay brought on by plaque and tartar. Typically, sensitivity will be experienced in a single region or tooth, as opposed to the majority of the teeth.
- Gum Disease. One of the potential complications associated with gingivitis or inflamed gums is increased tooth sensitivity. It occurs when the gingival line recedes, exposing a greater portion of the tooth root to tartar and bacterial plaque.
- GERD – Over time, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can erode the enamel of the teeth, exposing the dentin. Similar conditions like gastroparesis and bulimia have similar results.
Care and Treatment
The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are common solutions to avoid sensitive teeth.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste – Multiple brands of toothpaste are available for those with sensitive teeth. Daily application should result in reduced sensitivity. It may be necessary to try with multiple brands before getting the one that gives you the best results.
- Maintain good oral hygiene – Although excessive brushing can harm teeth, this does not mean you should completely neglect oral hygiene. Twice daily, floss and brush your teeth (gently) to prevent gingival loss. Maintain a clean line along the gumline and between the teeth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – This will reduce the amount of tooth surface abrasion caused by the toothbrush and gingival irritation.
- Watch what you eat – Consistent ingestion of exceptionally acidic foods may result in the progressive erosion of tooth enamel, thereby exposing the dentin. Additionally, they might intensify the sensitivity and initiate the pain response.
- Use fluoridated dental products – Using a fluoridated mouth rinse daily may reduce sensitivity. Consult your dentist regarding available domestic-use products.
- Avoid teeth grinding – It may be necessary to sleep with a mouth guard in place to prevent unconscious teeth grinding.
Dental Treatment
If the discomfort persists, consult your dentist. Certain dental procedures have the potential to alleviate sensitivity, such as:
- Dental Bonding – As a cosmetic dental procedure, dental bonding can correct functional issues such as tooth sensitivity. During dental bonding, a composite resin material that resembles tooth colour is applied to the teeth. A layer of composite resin is applied to the afflicted area to cover the exposed dentin, thereby reducing or eliminating the sensitivity.
- Fluoride Varnishes – The application of fluoride varnish to treat extreme tooth sensitivity is practical. Request a fluoride varnish for your tooth sensitivity treatment if your teeth are in good condition but are particularly susceptible to temperature fluctuations (such as during dining or simple inhalation through the mouth). Typically, the application of fluoride varnish induces alleviation for sensitive teeth the same day, with enduring effects that can last for a duration of three to four months.
- Dentin Sealers – When applied to a tooth, dental sealants create an additional layer of protection against acids and high temperatures, which reduces tooth sensitivity. With a duration of less than one minute, the process effectively safeguards delicate teeth for a maximum of three years.
- Root Canal – A root canal procedure may be advised in cases where the pulp chamber of a tooth has become compromised as a result of decay or injury. This frequently results in excruciating toothaches and heightened sensitivity and renders the tooth susceptible to degeneration. Using root canal treatment, a tooth’s delicate tissues can be extracted and the tooth re-sealed.
Get a Dental Check-up With a Trusted Family Dentist in Brampton
A person with sensitive teeth cannot appreciate sweets such as ice cream. Sensitivity when eating, and brushing one’s teeth can be an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, our dentist is capable of assisting you in overcoming sudden teeth sensitivity by identifying and treating the underlying cause of the issue. Contact our Brampton dentist at 905-458-1212 or visit us to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
