When experiencing sensitive teeth, should you be concerned or worried about a serious problem? Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. Another term for tooth sensitivity is dentin hypersensitivity. When exposed to certain stimuli, dentin hypersensitivity is characterized by sharp, temporary pain or discomfort in one or more teeth. These stimuli include hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, and drinks, as well as brushing and flossing.
In this article, we discuss the causes of tooth sensitivity and tips for pain relief.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the dentin layer of a tooth or tooth root becomes exposed. This can happen due to erosion (wear and tear) and gum recession (the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth). Both tooth erosion and gum recession expose the dentin and/or tooth roots. When tooth roots are exposed, the tubules, also called “dentinal tubules,” that run through the dentin (the middle layer of the tooth) to the cementum at the root, will cause pain and sensitivity.
Erosion and gum recession can be due to various factors such as:
Brushing Too Hard
Aggressive brushing and using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and expose the dentin.
Gum Recession
Gums can recede naturally with age or due to gum disease. As recession occurs, more of the root surface becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity.
Worn Enamel
Over time, tooth enamel can become worn. Certain factors, such as eating or drinking acidic foods and liquids, grinding teeth, and taking certain medications, can wear down your tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.
Cracked Teeth
Cracks in a tooth can expose the dentin and cause pain. Your dentist may recommend crowns and fillings to repair teeth that are cracked.
Recent Dental Procedures
Dental procedures like cleaning or tooth extraction can commonly cause temporary sensitivity.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and tomato sauce can erode enamel and expose the dentin.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Clenching or grinding teeth can wear down enamel and cause sensitivity.
Gum Disease
When gum disease leads to gum recession, the tooth roots are exposed and cause sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening Products
Whitening your teeth may give you a beautiful smile, but some whitening treatments can irritate the gums and lead to sensitivity. The ingredients in whitening strips may weaken your enamel, exposing dentin and causing sensitivity.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMD and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can cause tooth sensitivity. When the jaw joint is inflamed or misaligned, it can put pressure on surrounding nerves. This leads to pain that radiates to the teeth and causes sensitivity, especially if teeth grinding is occurring along with the TMJ.
Pain Relief Tips for Tooth Sensitivity
There are several treatments available for tooth sensitivity. Which one is better for you may depend on the underlying cause and severity of your condition.
Common Treatments of Tooth Sensitivity Include:
- Desensitizing toothpaste – There are several brands of toothpaste to help combat sensitive teeth. You can try different brands to see which one works best for you.
- Dental bonding or sealants – If tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin due to receding gums or enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend applying dental bonding or sealants to cover and protect the exposed surfaces.
- Fluoride – Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and, over time, prevail over sensitivity.
- Mouthguard – If you clench and grind your teeth constantly, tooth enamel can wear away. Adding a mouthguard can help curb the stress that is put on your teeth.
- Root canal therapy – In severe cases of tooth sensitivity, if the nerve of the tooth is affected, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to remove the damaged nerve and alleviate the sensitivity.
- Lifestyle changes – These are some changes in habits and lifestyle that will improve tooth sensitivity:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid abrasive toothpaste
- Resist brushing aggressively
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks
- Stop smoking
- Address teeth grinding or clenching habits
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to Schedule Your Dental Check-Up
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, our dentists will assess the issue during a dental check-up. Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry is currently accepting new patients. Reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at 919-600-6262 and our dentists in Cary at 919-467-2203,. Or, you can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.