Several people experience tooth sensitivity either due to an underlying condition or because of exposure to certain stimuli. Hypersensitivity comes with sharp but temporary pain or discomfort in either one tooth or multiple teeth. When the dentin of your teeth becomes exposed, this is when you may experience sensitivity because these nerves are extremely sensitive to temperature, acid, or chemicals. Let’s look at different causes of tooth sensitivity and whether they are considered normal and temporary or if you should be concerned about a long-term condition.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
There are a variety of causes that can lead to tooth sensitivity. While not all of them are necessarily normal, some are more common than others. Here are some causes of tooth sensitivity, how they occur, and how they can worsen your sensitivity.
- Brushing too hard: Excessive brushing or using too much pressure can wear down the enamel of your teeth. While removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth is important for your oral health, scrubbing too hard can damage the teeth for the long term.
- Cracking a tooth: Oftentimes, a tooth can crack after consistent use or after chewing on something hard. If a tooth is cracked, you may not realize it until you drink something cold or eat an acidic food and experience a sharp pain.
- The use of whitening products: Bleach trays or whitening kits wear down the protective enamel and top layers of the teeth, causing them to be more sensitive during eating, drinking, or even brushing your teeth. Consistent use of whitening products will increase your risk of tooth sensitivity.
- Acidic foods: Eating acidic foods, drinking coffee, or consuming acidic fruit consistently can cause tooth sensitivity. Similar to bleach or other strong chemicals, acids can wear down your enamel, exposing the underlying nerves and dentin that is more sensitive.
- Gum disease: Receding gums or gum disease can cause more oral pain for patients, even if your enamel is intact. As your gums recede, more of your tooth is exposed that may have never been exposed to food or varying temperatures before. If a new part of your tooth is exposed, you may begin to experience sensitivity on a mild scale.
- Plaque buildup: Plaque buildup is what causes cavities, which are holes in the enamel that lead to the under layers becoming exposed. Letting plaque build up and not getting cavities filled can come with pain from the cavity and tooth sensitivity.
- Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding is another way that your enamel can be worn down. Wearing down the enamel through grinding your teeth in your sleep or during stressful times can cause sensitivity later in life.
Is Sensitivity Normal?
Not necessarily, but it isn’t always a reason to panic. Sensitivity can be caused by a temporary situation like eating ice cream that is too cold or drinking something too hot. While there is no way to regrow your enamel or gums, there are some ways to strengthen the enamel you do have. Changing your toothbrush and limiting the use of mouthwash or whitening kits can lower your sensitivity pain. If sensitivity is affecting daily activities and prevents you from enjoying some of your favorite foods, this is when you should see your dentist and discuss a treatment plan.
Underlying health conditions like diabetes or cancer can cause tooth decay, which could be the cause of your sensitivity. If you are unaware of these health issues before experiencing sensitivity, this could be a reason to have your sensitivity checked out by a professional. Most people who experience sensitivity don’t have a scary diagnosis and may just have weaker teeth due to genetics.
Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity
Depending on the cause of sensitivity and the severity of your pain, there are different treatments you can try. Desensitizing toothpastes, dental bonding, mouthguards, or lifestyle changes can all improve tooth sensitivity pain. Making small changes and visiting your dentist frequently is the best way to treat tooth pain and sensitivity. Before testing out a treatment, make sure to consult with your dentist to determine if an underlying health issue or cause doesn’t need to be treated first.
Dental Treatment From Avenues Dental
Avenues Dental is in the business of helping individuals and families have brilliant smiles. We are one of the top choices for dentistry in Salt Lake City because we provide different services at an affordable price. Whether you need cosmetic dentistry or a typical cleaning, our dental team will treat you with respect and create a comfortable space. We know that your smile is central to your confidence, and having proper oral health through childhood and young adulthood can help you have healthier teeth as you age. Reach out to our dentists to schedule your appointment today!
