Not dissimilar to the feeling of hearing nails on a chalkboard, sensitive teeth can be both painful and uncomfortable. Usually felt when eating or drinking something especially cold, tooth sensitivity may not be as serious as other dental conditions, but can be a constant annoyance and source of discomfort is left unaddressed. In some cases the tooth/teeth may need significant dental treatment.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Sensitive teeth, also referred to as dentine hypersensitivity, refer to teeth that experience stronger than normal sensations from certain types of stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures, or pressure from eating or brushing.
When exposed to these stimuli, the nerves in the tooth can become irritated, triggering an uncomfortable feeling of sharp pain.
Why do I have sensitive teeth all of a sudden?
For some, sensitive teeth is something that they have experienced from a young age — some will just be more prone to tooth sensitivity than others.
If you have never or rarely experienced sensitive teeth, but have recently noticed frequent pain, it’s likely that something has caused your teeth to become sensitive. Some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth include:
Cavity
One of the most common causes of a sensitive tooth can be a deep cavity. When the cavity is close to the nerve or exposes the nerve in the tooth, it is likely that you will experience some tooth sensitivity (which can be severe in some cases).
Teeth grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth (especially during sleep) can wear down the enamel layer of teeth and cause tooth sensitivity.
Acidic foods
Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus and soda can erode tooth enamel over time. This exposes the sensitive dentin underneath, leading to the development of tooth sensitivity. Some of these same foods can also stain the teeth.
Ageing
The layer of enamel of our teeth naturally wears down as people age, which often leads to increased tooth sensitivity.
Dental procedures
Undergoing recent dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, or cleanings can briefly increase tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity usually passes as the teeth adjust to the new restorations, but if the sensitivity persists, it may be worth consulting with your dentist to check for any issues.
Cracked teeth
Cracked teeth cause the nerves and dentine inside to become exposed, leading to a high level of sensitivity and pain. If you have experienced a hard knock on your teeth or felt a potential broken tooth in your mouth, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to get your teeth examined for any cracks.
Gum recession and gum disease
Gum recession and gum disease can both lead to exposure of the tooth roots, which are more sensitive than the enamel.
Brushing too hard
Applying too much pressure while brushing or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too rigid can wear down enamel and cause gum recession. Over time, this can eventually lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
Build-up of plaque
Without consistent and proper dental care, plaque can build up on teeth and hardens into tartar. This build-up may increase harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease and “white-spot lesions” which may increase tooth sensitivity.
The use of whitening or bleaching products
Teeth whitening treatments that contain strong corrosive chemicals, especially when applied incorrectly, can cause teeth to become more sensitive.
How to treat sensitive teeth and prevent further issues
Managing the discomfort from sensitive teeth is not difficult, but it will require effort to ensure that the affected teeth are protected from further damage. Here’s what you can do:
Restoring damaged or cracked teeth – seeking dental treatment to treat any damaged teeth can help to resolve issues of teeth sensitivity in the long term, as well as prevent the development of more serious dental issues.
Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth – these types of toothpaste contain ingredients that may help reduce the pain (by blocking sensitive pathways) from sensitive teeth.
Opt for a toothbrush with softer bristles – this can help to prevent further erosion irritation to sensitive teeth and gum areas. Changing your brushing habits to a gentler brushing style can also help to minimise erosion of the enamel.
Use a splint when sleeping – your dentist can provide you with a splint (custom mouthguard) to protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night.
Consume less acidic foods and drinks - reducing the intake of acidic foods and beverages can prevent further enamel erosion. After consuming them, rinse the mouth with water to neutralise the acidic residue.
Attend regular check-ups with a dentist – getting professional advice and treatment from a dentist is the best way to ensure that your tooth sensitivity is properly addressed.
At Bluff Point Dental, we are local dentists in Geraldton offering effective treatments to ensure that your teeth remain in good health. If you are experiencing persistent teeth sensitivity and are unsure what is causing it, our dentists can help you discover the root cause of the problem and help you address this.
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