Causes of Tooth Sensitivity and How to Prevent It
Does a cold or hot drink cause discomfort in your tooth? When you brush or floss, do your teeth hurt? If so, you have developed tooth sensitivity.
Various factors may cause tooth sensitivity, including general causes and sensitivity after fillings or crowns.
Preventing tooth sensitivity requires consistent care and attention to daily habits. Identifying early signs and visiting your dentist can preserve tooth health and comfort.
The dentist’s examination is initially a visual inspection. If the dentist diagnoses decay and cavity formation in your teeth, they will review the exams and dental X-rays.
Understanding tooth sensitivity’s causes and preventive measures can help maintain oral health. This article will examine the causes of tooth sensitivity and discuss ways to prevent it.
Table of Contents
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can occur due to several common factors:
- Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, protecting the sensitive inner parts. If this protective layer is lost, the tooth becomes sensitive and discolored and is at risk of decay.
Enamel erosion can be caused by excessive consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks, aggressive and harsh brushing, teeth grinding, acid reflux, and certain medications and medical treatments.
To prevent this, take oral hygiene seriously, clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, limit the consumption of acidic and sugary substances, and take action to treat acid reflux. - Gum Recession
Another reason for tooth sensitivity is gum recession. In this case, the gum tissue that covers the tooth recedes or disappears, exposing a large part of the tooth and even the root.
Periodontal disease, improper brushing, neglect of oral hygiene, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and harmful habits like smoking are among the causes of gum recession.
Gum recession not only makes the tooth sensitive but also increases the risk of tooth decay and has an unpleasant aesthetic appearance.
Gum recession is usually treated by addressing underlying factors and using sensitive toothpaste. However, treatments such as gum grafting may be necessary in cases of severe gum recession. - Gum Diseases
Gum diseases or periodontal diseases, which generally arise due to neglect of oral hygiene and accumulation of tartar and bacteria around the teeth and gums, are also recognized as causes of tooth sensitivity.
The severity of this disease varies from mild cases involving inflammation and redness of the gums to severe and acute cases, meaning infection, loss of gum tissue, and jawbone erosion.
Gum diseases cause symptoms such as tooth mobility and heightened sensitivity, swelling and redness of the gums, gum bleeding, and bad breath, which require a visit to the dentist for treatment.
Periodontal diseases are often treated with dental cleaning and improvement of oral hygiene. However, in severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. Tooth decay
Pain caused by tooth decay can create a feeling similar to dental sensitivity.
Tooth decay occurs when sugar particles in food and drinks react with bacteria present in plaque on the teeth and produce acidic substances.
These acids gradually soften and decompose the enamel and dentin of your teeth. Brushing twice daily with fluoride or sensitivity toothpaste helps strengthen your teeth.
The problem with tooth decay is that you may only feel pain once it reaches advanced and dangerous stages. However, this issue can be easily treated in its early stages.
Therefore, even if you do not feel pain in your teeth, you should visit the dentist regularly for periodic check-ups so they can diagnose early signs of tooth decay and take necessary action to treat it.
Why do teeth become sensitive?
Some people have naturally more sensitive teeth due to thinner enamel (the outer layer of the teeth that protects them).
However, some factors cause enamel erosion, gum recession, or gum diseases. Various reasons, such as teeth grinding, consumption of acidic foods and drinks, and hard brushing, can lead to tooth enamel wear.
Next, we will explore some factors that cause pain and tooth sensitivity in daily life.
1. Brushing with too much pressure can cause tooth sensitivity
Suppose you brush hard or apply much pressure to your teeth while brushing. In that case, you will experience tooth sensitivity.
The protective layers of the teeth wear down, and the tiny hollow tubes that lead to your tooth nerves become exposed.
Tooth sensitivity and discomfort occur when these tubes are exposed to heat, cold, acidic, or sticky foods.
The simplest solution is to use a softer-bristled toothbrush and brush more gently.
Move the soft brush with gentle vertical and circular motions on the surface of your teeth.
Brushing with horizontal movements parallel to the gums and with high speed and pressure can cause severe damage to tooth enamel.
One way to prevent enamel erosion is to brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth.
2. Eating acidic foods can damage teeth
If the nerve pathways of your teeth are visible, acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause pain.
Avoiding these foods can help you prevent discomfort in your teeth.
Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to rise to the esophagus and may gradually erode teeth.
Frequent vomiting, such as with gastroparesis and bulimia, can wear down tooth enamel.
Reducing soda water, gooey confections, and carbohydrates can help guard enamel.
Avoiding Foods That Increase Tooth Sensitivity or brushing your teeth immediately after eating them prevents further enamel erosion.
3. Bruxism causes tooth sensitivity (Teeth Grinding)
People with a habit of grinding teeth develop severe tooth sensitivity.
They unconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep or stress.
This action erodes tooth enamel and damages the crown. Grinding teeth can wear enamel away and can become a severe issue.
Factors like stress and anxiety are the causes of bruxism. Bruxism can decrease with stress relief.
If these methods are ineffective, see a dentist to prevent enamel erosion.
You may need a mouthguard or splint.
4. Using whitening toothpaste
People who use whitening toothpaste risk developing tooth sensitivity. These toothpaste contain chemicals that may cause sensitivity.
If your toothpaste contains whitening agents, try to use it less and opt for fluoride toothpaste instead.
5. Tooth whitening
Whitening or bleaching teeth may lead to sensitivity. Bleaching chemicals can damage enamel. It is better to use milder acidic whitening agents.
6. Mouthwashes containing acidic ingredients damage teeth
People who use mouthwash frequently risk developing tooth sensitivity.
Some mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that make teeth more sensitive. Try neutral mouthwashes containing fluoride.
Avoiding mouthwash and relying on floss and toothbrush is better.
7. Gum disease causes tooth sensitivity
Gum recession, typical with age, leads to sensitivity. Your dentist will provide a treatment plan. After the gums improve, the sensitivity will reduce.
8. Plaque on teeth can cause sensitivity
Plaque can erode enamel, and Excess plaque causes sensitivity. Flossing and brushing remove plaque.
Visit your dentist for cleaning and check-ups every six months.
9. Root canal or any dental procedure may cause sensitivity
Sensitivity arises after a root canal, tooth extraction, or crown placement and usually improves within weeks after a filling.
If symptoms persist, inform your dentist.
Your tooth may be infected and need root canal treatment. Reducing filling materials can eliminate sensitivity.
10. Tooth fractures can cause tooth sensitivity
A fracture or crack caused by impact or chewing hard foods may cause sensitivity. If the tooth’s pulp is damaged, you may feel sensitivity to heat and cold.
Repairing the damage resolves sensitivity. A broken or cracked tooth can cause pain beyond sensitivity. Your dentist will decide on treatment.
11. Decay in old fillings can cause sensitivity
With age, fillings weaken, and cracks form. Bacteria accumulate, causing acid buildup and enamel decomposition.
Visit your dentist to remove damaged parts and refill the tooth.
If you notice this type of tooth sensitivity, be sure to visit your dentist. The damaged parts are often removed, and the tooth is refilled.
Ways to Prevent the Recurrence of Tooth Sensitivity
Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity To avoid tooth sensitivity, consider the following preventive tips:
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and use dental floss. Instead of vigorous or harsh brushing, apply gentle strokes and avoid using whitening toothpaste.
- Avoid Acidic Foods: Limit consumption of citrus fruits, soda, and acidic drinks. Be cautious when eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, such as sodas and citrus fruits, which can gradually erode small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When drinking acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid level in your mouth.
- Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: Special formulations can reduce sensitivity over time.
- Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups can prevent or address underlying causes.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Protect teeth from grinding damage. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouthguard. Teeth grinding can cause tooth fractures and sensitivity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?
Sudden sensitivity can be caused by enamel erosion, gum recession, or a new cavity.
Why are my two front teeth sensitive all of a sudden?
It could be due to trauma, enamel wear, or early signs of gum recession, so a dentist evaluation is recommended.
When should I visit the dental office?
Suppose you have not improved your sensitive teeth after several weeks of trying the abovementioned actions. In that case, you should visit the dental office.
What are the most common triggers for sensitive teeth?
- Scorching foods and drinks
- Icy foods and drinks
- Sweets
- Air
- Acidic foods
- Cold water
At what age are teeth more susceptible to sensitivity?
This condition occurs more frequently at ages 25 to 30.
Can vitamin deficiency be a reason for teeth becoming sensitive?
In sporadic cases, vitamin B deficiency can cause teeth sensitivity.
Does scaling cause teeth to become sensitive?
As previously mentioned, some dental treatments can temporarily cause teeth sensitivity. However, scaling only sometimes causes this issue. In deep scaling cases, teeth usually become sensitive for a few days.
Conclusion
When the tooth’s enamel is worn away or your gums recede, the underlying layer where the tooth nerves reside becomes exposed. Specific triggering factors aggravate these nerves and cause dental sensitivity.
If consuming hot or cold beverages causes your teeth to hurt, it indicates that you have sensitive teeth. Of course, the only indications that can signal this sensitivity are not limited to sensitivity to heat, cold, and drinks. Sweet or sour foods and even cold air can irritate sensitive teeth.
Signs such as gum disease, natural gum recession, tooth cracks, and enamel destruction can be among the factors causing sensitive teeth.
In summary, the factors that exacerbate and trigger tooth sensitivity pain include:
• Scorching and cold foods
• Scorching and cold drinks
• Acidic and sweet foods
• Cold water while brushing teeth
• Overuse of mouthwash
This article familiarized us with the causes of tooth sensitivity and prevention methods. You can see the Best Methods to Treat Tooth Sensitivity, such as sensitive toothpaste, fluoride-containing mouthwashes, and alcohol-free products.
If your pain does not go away, visit a dentist to identify the causes of your dental sensitivity. You can call the numbers of the Beach City Dentistry in Manhattan Beach to make an appointment for a consultation and visit.
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity
- adanews.ada.org/huddles/tips-to-reduce-tooth-pain-caused-by-sensitivity/
- California Dental Association: “Receding Gums.”
