10 Possible Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

 

Here are 10 possible reasons why your teeth might be giving you pain, and when to see a doctor.

1. Exposure to extreme heat or cold

Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed nerves in your teeth. When you eat or drink something with an extremely low or high temperature, you may feel a sudden, sharp flash of pain.

2. Gum recession

Gums are the layer of pink tissue that cover bone and surround the root of the tooth to help protect the nerve endings of your teeth. As you age, gum tissue often begins to wear , causing gum recession.

This recession leaves the roots of your teeth exposed, as well as leaving you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth infections. If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than they used to be, gum recession could be the culprit.

3. Enamel (dentin) erosion

It’s estimated that at least 12 percentTrusted Source of people have some form of “dentin hypersensitivity” that causes them discomfort when they eat. This kind of sensitivity can be caused by eating a highly acidic diet, brushing your teeth too hard, and other factors.

As a result, the enamel that coats and protects your teeth begins to wear away and is not replaced. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pain that sends shivers up your spine when you bite into certain foods.

4. Tooth decay (cavity)

Tooth decay, also referred to as a cavity, might be the reason why your teeth have suddenly started bothering you. Tooth decay can linger on the sides or tops of your tooth enamel without being noticed for some time.

Once the decay begins to progress toward an infection, you may startexperiencing pain in your tooth.

5. Gum infection

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects more than 47 percent of adults over the age of 30Trusted Source. Gum disease is called gingivitis in its early stages, and some people don’t even know that they have it. Sensitive teeth and gums can be a sign of escalating gum disease. 

6. Cracked tooth or crown

You may not be surprised to learn that a cracked tooth or crown can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. But there are cases when you may have a tooth cracked ever so slightly, so that it causes pain but is nearly impossible to see.

7. Sinus infection

One symptom of a sinus infection is pain in your teeth and in your jaw. As your sinuses become inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, they can compress the nerve endings of your teeth.

8. Grinding or clenching jaws

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaws can lead to chronic tooth sensitivity, as you wear away at the enamel on your teeth.

While many people clench or grind their teeth from time to time, high-stress circumstances or poor sleep can lead to you increasing this habit without you realizing it, resulting in tooth pain that seems mysterious.

9. Dental procedures

Recent fillings or tooth work involving drilling can temporarily make the nerve endings of your teeth more sensitive. Sensitivity from a tooth filling procedure may last up to two weeks.

10. Teeth bleaching products

Using whitening strips, bleaching gels, or having an in-office teeth-whitening procedure can put you at a higher riskTrusted Source of tooth sensitivity. Pain in your teeth that’s caused by teeth bleaching is often temporary and will usually subside if you stop using whitening products.

When to see a doctor

If your teeth have become sensitive when they never were before, make an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to recommend a simple treatment, such as a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.

Your dentist will also be able to tell if you need a corrective procedure, such as a filling or a tooth extraction, to relieve your pain.

Some symptoms should never be ignored. See your dentist right away, or contact another health professional, if you experience the following:

• toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours
• throbbing or sharp, aching pain that doesn’t subside
• migraine or thunderclap headache that extends to your teeth
• fever that seems to coincide with your toothache

Takeaway

There are myriad reasons why you might feel a sudden pain in your teeth. Most of them are connected to the natural erosion of your gums or tooth enamel.

If you’ve developed hypersensitive teeth seemingly overnight, you should speak with your dentist. While it’s not usually considered a dental emergency, teeth that are causing you pain should be examined by a dentist to rule out some of the more serious causes.

Photo Source: https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/resources/teeth-sensitivity-causes/ 

Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly#takeaway

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

The American Dental Association has a great Fact or Fiction quiz to educate you about tooth sensitivity issues. This little quiz takes just a few minutes but might help you understand a little bit more about this pesky condition that plagues so many. 

To take this quiz click here. 

If you are one of the millions of other people that suffer from tooth sensitivity we can help. Call to schedule your appointment today and Dr. Clark will let you know which solutions will help you find the relief you desire. 

Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated?

 

Tooth sensitivity is more common than you think. The American Dental Association offers some suggestions to treat this painful condition: 

Tooth sensitivity can be treated. See your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and may suggest one of several treatments. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend that you try a desensitizing toothpaste for use at home. These toothpastes contain compounds that help prevent the irritants from stimulating the nerve inside the tooth. Several uses usually are required before the sensitivity is reduced. Some higher-acid mouthrinses also may increase tooth sensitivity, and your dentist may recommend switching to another brand.

 In-office treatments also are available. For example, fluoride gel treatments strengthen the tooth enamel and help reduce sensations that irritate the root. Other treatments, such as fillings, crowns, inlays, bonding, fluoride varnishes or desensitizing agents, can be used to repair areas of the tooth that are damaged or to cover areas that are exposed by gum recession. In some cases, when the gum has pulled away from the tooth, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure called a “gingival graft” or “gum graft” to replace the tissue that has receded. If your sensitivity is severe or does not respond to other treatments, your dentist may suggest root canal treatment.

Please don't suffer needlessly with sensitivity pain. We can help! Call us today!

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

 

The American Dental Association gives the following tips on how to prevent tooth sensitivity:

Good oral hygiene is your best defense against most oral health problems, including tooth sensitivity. Poor daily dental hygiene allows bacteria to collect around and between the teeth. If these bacteria (plaque) are  not removed, they can harden into calculus (tartar), which can build up and cause your gums to recede around the teeth. This is called “gingival” or “gum” disease or “recession.” Gum recession exposes the

roots of your teeth, which, in turn, leaves your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. Other situations that may increase your risk of gum recession include tobacco use, oral piercings (which can irritate the gums), use of some medications or even changes in female hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

Brushing your teeth harshly, using too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush also may cause your gums to recede, exposing the tooth’s root. The American Dental Association recommends you follow a good oral hygiene routine.

·         Brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

·        Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth and can irritate your gums.

·        Clean between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner daily. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.

·         Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

We are only a phone call away. If it has been too long since you've been able to eat or drink hot or cold items without pain let us help you find a solution today. 

PC: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

 In an article by the ADA, American Dental Association they describe tooth sensitivity in the following way: 

Tooth sensitivity can have a number of causes. Some of the more common culprits are caries (tooth decay), cracked or fractured teeth, trauma, tooth grinding or clenching, worn fillings or tooth enamel, and gingivae (gums) that have pulled away from the tooth roots as a result of gum disease or vigorous brushing. In healthy teeth, enamel protects the crowns, the part of the tooth that you see above the gumline. The roots of healthy teeth are coated with a thin protective layer called “cementum.”

Under the enamel and the cementum is a more porous layer of tooth called “dentin.” The dentin layer contains microscopic tubules or canals that connect with the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is in the center of the tooth and contains the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. When irritants such as foods or liquids come into contact with the exposed dentinal tubules, or when excessive pressure is applied against a cracked tooth, a pain response can be triggered.

This month we will be sharing different information and ideas on how to combat this all-too-common condition. If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity please call us as soon as possible. Relief is available!