What is Tooth Sensitivity?


Jim Tehrani, DDS
Last Updated: January 9, 2025
What Does Tooth Sensitivity Mean?
Sensitive teeth are teeth that experience pain and burning due to different causes. Although tooth sensitivity has no age limit, it occurs mainly between 20 and 40.
Several factors cause tooth sensitivity, a common problem related to oral health that everyone might encounter at some point. When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities like brushing, eating, and drinking cold (teeth sensitive to cold) and hot foods can cause a sharp, brief pain.
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Tooth Sensitivity vs. Toothache
Tooth sensitivity is different from toothache.
Toothache occurs when decay-causing bacteria destroy the enamel and reach the underlying layers, namely the tooth’s dentin, root, and pulp.
However, tooth sensitivity arises when the enamel has worn away and the dentin (the main body of the tooth and the white bone) is exposed. Since dentin is connected to the tooth nerves, consuming certain foods can cause discomfort.
Knowing the difference between toothache and the sensation of pain in sensitive teeth can help you make an informed and appropriate decision about prevention and treatment. This discussion may have significant similarities and differences. Generally, when we talk about toothache or pain felt around it, we mean causes like decay, dental abscess, tooth fracture, loss of filling, or teeth grinding.
Tooth sensitivity is due to pain caused by stimuli like ice cream reaching the nerves of sensitive teeth. Sensitivity to heat and cold is the primary trigger for tooth pain.
What is Toothache?
The tooth is a living tissue similar to other body parts, containing blood supply and nerve endings. That’s why we can feel a pain called toothache and do not consider it a hard and dead tissue.
To answer the question of what toothache means, it can be said that toothache is a pain that occurs inside or around the tooth. The pain is typically generated from inside the tooth or the gums.
Sometimes, toothache can be intermittent and bearable or continuous and severe. Occasionally, swelling around the tooth, fever, and headache can cause toothache.
In addition to such cases, some pains are specific to sensitive teeth.
We mentioned that sensitivity to heat and cold is the leading cause of such dental pains. Visit our Causes of Tooth Sensitivity section to learn more about what causes this condition.
What Does Tooth Sensitivity Feel Like?
The most common symptom of tooth sensitivity is a sharp and sudden pain triggered by airflow or hot, acidic, sweet, or cold foods. Some patients also experience tooth sensitivity when brushing or flossing.
Who Is at Risk of Tooth Sensitivity?
Some people are more prone to tooth sensitivity due to various factors:
- Age
Gingival recession naturally occurs as we age, exposing the dentin and increasing tooth sensitivity. - Dental Hygiene
People with poor oral hygiene or untreated dental issues are at a higher risk of experiencing tooth sensitivity. - Gum Recession
Gum recession can expose tooth roots that lack enamel protection, leading to increased sensitivity. - Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Individuals with bruxism may experience enamel erosion and heightened tooth sensitivity.
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Please see this article for the best home remedies and professional ways to treat tooth sensitivity.
Conclusion
Tooth pain may indicate a mouth condition affecting up to 80% of people worldwide. Understanding its causes and using the correct treatment methods can substantially eliminate this issue. Tooth sensitivity can be managed with proper diagnosis by your dentist and suitable treatments. These may include fluoride therapy, dental bonding, or using a mouthguard to reduce the impact of bruxism.
However, if you experience severe pain or discomfort due to dental sensitivity, Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach could be the correct destination for medical treatment. Our specialists are committed to providing customized services to keep your dental health. You are welcome to send us a message for a check-up and to start the necessary treatment.
It’s also important not to shy away from dental care because of tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can make things worse. Brush and floss twice a day to help keep your smile bright and pain-free. And see your dentist for a checkup twice a year.
www.webmd.com
