If you’ve ever had dental sensitivity, you’re familiar with the symptoms. You bite into some very cold ice cream or drink some soda, and all of a sudden you’re tormented with dental ache. If this happens to you on a regular or infrequent basis, you are not alone. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, up to 40 million adults in the United States have Tooth Sensitivity at some point in their lives.
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Consuming acidic, cold, spicy, sour, or sweet meals and drinks, breathing cold air, and/or cleaning or flossing already sensitive teeth are the primary causes of tooth sensitivity. Symptoms most typically emerge as a quick, intense, and sometimes profound pain in a tooth that subsequently disappears.
Many people who suffer from tooth sensitivity are unaware of why they are in pain in the first place. That knowledge is critical if you want to get to the bottom of your tooth sensitivity and find a cure. So, without further ado, here are some of the most common reasons for dental sensitivity.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
The loss of a protective layer around a tooth’s dentin, or the material that makes up the majority of the inside of each tooth, is the underlying cause of most tooth sensitivity. Dentin is generally protected by enamel (the outer covering of each tooth), cementum (which covers the tooth root beneath the gum line), and gums (which also help protect the tooth root), but a variety of factors can erode this protective layer. When this happens, heat, cold, acidity, and other factors can enter the cells and nerves of the tooth, causing sensitivity.
A variety of factors can lead to enamel loss, while others may be responsible for different causes of tooth sensitivity. These are some examples:
- Brushing too vigorously
Brushing forcefully with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down tooth enamel. Brushing too hard can also cause gum recession, exposing the base of the tooth and causing sensitivity.
- Consuming an acidic or high-sugar diet
Acidic and/or sugary foods and beverages, such as soda, coffee, tomato sauce, candies, refined carbs, and citrus fruits, can erode tooth enamel and expose the dentin.
- Making use of an acidic mouthwash
Acidic mouthwashes, like acidic meals, can wear away tooth enamel. Long-term use of an acidic mouthwash (e.g., those containing alcohol or other harsh compounds) can aggravate pre-existing sensitivity.
- Teeth clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth regularly (at night or during the day) can eventually wear down tooth enamel, exposing the dentin.
- Periodontal disease
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common causes of gum inflammation and/or recession, which can expose the roots of teeth and cause sensitivity.
- Use of whitening products regularly
Tooth sensitivity is frequently caused by tooth-whitening products. This is because some of the whitening chemicals used in these solutions are harsh on dental enamel and can wear it down over time.
- Broken teeth
A chipped or cracked tooth is vulnerable to microorganisms, which can enter the tooth’s dentin through the crack and produce pain or sensitivity.
- Recently completed dental treatments
Teeth sensitivity can be caused by routine dental operations such as professional cleanings, crown placements, fillings, and tooth restorations. The good news is that this type of sensitivity is usually transient and goes away on its own within a few weeks.
The first step in treating tooth sensitivity, regardless of the cause, is to see your dentist. They will assist you in determining what is causing your sensitivity and developing a treatment plan that works for you.
What services does the dentist provide?
During an examination, the dental team will discuss your symptoms with you. They will examine your teeth to determine what is causing the sensitivity and the best method to cure it. To help relieve the symptoms, the dental staff may use special ‘de-sensitising’ materials on the impacted teeth. Fluoride gels, rinses, and varnishes can be used to treat sensitive teeth. These can be painted onto the teeth at regular intervals of one or two weeks to provide some protection.
It may take some time for your sensitivity to relax, and you may need to schedule numerous appointments. If this does not help, your dentist may seal or fill the area surrounding the tooth’s neck. In severe circumstances, the tooth may need to be root-filled.
Is there anything I can do at home to treat sensitive teeth?
Numerous toothpaste brands on the market are designed to assist in relieving the pain of sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day with the fluoride toothpaste. You can also apply it to delicate regions. These toothpastes can take several days to many weeks to take action. Your dental staff should be able to advise you on the best sort of toothpaste for you.
How can I avoid having sensitive teeth?
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least once a day using fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350ppm (parts per million). Consider using toothpaste formulated specifically for sensitive teeth. Use a soft-to-medium-bristled brush in small, circular motions. Avoid cleaning your teeth from one side to the other.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if necessary.
- Brush immediately after eating – some meals and drinks might soften the enamel of your teeth, so wait at least an hour before brushing.
- Consume sugary meals and fizzy or acidic drinks less frequently. Try to limit them to mealtimes only.
- If you grind your teeth, consult with your dentist about getting a nighttime mouthguard built.
- If you are considering having your teeth bleached, talk to your dentist about sensitivity before beginning treatment.
- Visit your dentist regularly, or as often as they recommend.
Conclusion
The loss of the protective layer surrounding the dentin of the tooth is frequently the primary cause. Aggressive brushing, acidic or sugary diets, the use of acidic mouthwashes, teeth clenching, periodontal disease, constant use of whitening products, and even dental treatments all contribute to enamel degradation.
The first step in treating tooth sensitivity is to see a dentist, who may determine the root reason and propose a customized treatment plan. To ease symptoms, dental professionals may employ desensitizing materials, fluoride gels, rinses, or varnishes. Using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding vigorous brushing, and practicing good oral hygiene are all examples of at-home care.
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Using fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-to-medium-bristled brush, replacing toothbrushes on a regular basis, brushing after meals, limiting sugary and acidic food, and wearing a mouthguard are all preventive methods.
Understanding the reasons for tooth sensitivity and taking preventive steps can help manage it, resulting in a healthier and more comfortable oral experience.
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