Causes of Teeth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most prevalent dental patient concerns. Brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking can all produce severe discomfort in your teeth if you have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are commonly caused by worn dental enamel or exposed tooth roots.
A coating of enamel covers the crowns of your teeth above the gum line in healthy teeth. When the enamel of the tooth is damaged, tubular dentin allows heat and cold, acids, or sticky substances to reach the nerves and cells within the tooth. As a result, teeth sensitivity may develop. In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of teeth sensitivity that you shouldn’t neglect.
1. Aggressive tooth brushing
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush. You can wear away the protective coatings of your teeth over time, exposing small hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves.
Tooth sensitivity and pain can occur when these tubes are exposed to severe temperatures or acidic or sticky meals. The easiest remedy is to use a toothbrush with softer bristles and brush more gently.
2. Gum recession
Gum recession is a condition that occurs when the gums move away from the teeth, revealing the tooth root. Because the tooth root lacks enamel to protect it, it is significantly more sensitive than the rest of the tooth. Gum recession is common with age, but it can also be an indication of gum disease or the effect of brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush.
3. Tooth decay
Tooth decay, often known as a cavity or caries, might be the cause of your teeth’s sensitivity. Tooth decay can persist on the sides or tops of your tooth enamel for a long period without being seen. When the decay progresses to the point of infection, you may begin to feel pain in your tooth.
4. Teeth grinding
Because enamel is the most resilient material in the human body, it can withstand significant wear and tear. However, grinding your teeth will ultimately wear away the enamel, exposing the hollow tubes that go to your nerves.
If you grind your teeth at sleep, your dentist can make you a custom mouth guard that fits your bite. If you grind your teeth during the day, talk to the best dentist about behavioral measures that can help you become more conscious of the problem.
5. Broken or damaged tooth
A broken tooth usually causes greater discomfort than “normal dental sensitivity.” If you have considerable discomfort when biting, you may have a major break that requires a root canal. If you crack a tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. You should understand that a cracked tooth is more prone to tooth decay and infections.
6. Dental abscess
An abscess or infection in the tooth is usually caused by dental injury, severe tooth decay, or gum illness. The pus forms as a result of a bacterial infection around or in the tooth’s root. A tooth abscess can cause persistent throbbing pain, gum swelling, bad breath or taste in the mouth, and tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, the infection can cause major damage to the teeth and gums, as well as other health issues, thus it is vital to seek urgent dental care.
7. Damaged tooth filling
Fillings might weaken, fracture, or leak along the edges as you age. Bacteria can easily gather in these microscopic gaps, causing acid accumulation and enamel deterioration. If you experience this sort of dental sensitivity between visits, consult your dentist; fillings may usually be replaced quickly.
