Tooth Sensitivity

You sipped some ice-cold water or bit into your favorite ice cream, and all of a sudden, a very sharp, stinging pain pierced through your teeth. Suppose that this is not an unfamiliar sound, you are not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that affects millions of individuals, often rendering their daily activities, such as eating, drinking, or even brushing, an uncomfortable experience.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth respond to cold substances such as water, hot beverages, sugary foods, or even toothbrushing. When you find that your tooth is sensitive to cold or heat, or both, it normally indicates that the protective enamel has been worn away or that your gums have receded, giving access to the inner part of the tooth, known as dentin. This dentin is linked to the nerves, which can cause painful or uncomfortable sensations. You may ask, why a hot still nerve and not a cold one? It can be explained by why a nerve becomes sensitive after an inserted fillings or crown is placed. These are rather typical concerns. Sensitive teeth can occur at any age, including in children, teenagers, and adults. Understanding the causes of tooth sensitivity helps you identify the most suitable remedy.

Most Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs for various reasons in many people. The most typical causes are as follows:

Aggressive brushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles may eventually erode your enamel. This causes the underlying dentin to be exposed, resulting in a tooth that is sensitive to cold or even sweet and sour foods.
Erosion of the gums, often caused by periodontal disease or old age, may wear away the gum, leaving the uncovered roots. Unprotected tooth enamel can cause pain while eating or drinking.
The outer layers may be destroyed, leading to exposure of nerves due to decay and tooth cavities. This is one of the major causes of sensitive teeth.
Chips, cracks, or wear on teeth can expose people to hot, cold, or air that can reach the nerve in the tooth.
Teeth grinding or squeezing tires out the enamel and may cause a tooth to be sensitive to heat and cold.
Soda, citrus, and vinegar, which are acidic foods and beverages, erode enamel and make the teeth sensitive.

There might be temporary pain caused by recent dental work, such as filling or crowns. After a filling or a crown, a certain amount of sensitivity to the teeth is normal and typically disappears within a matter of days or weeks.

How We Diagnose and Treat Sensitivity at Butternut Family Dentistry?

Relevance of a good dentist checkup to determine the cause:

Patients will undergo at an evaluation (oral exam, X-rays when necessary)
Summary of treatment available in the office
Enhancement of enamel with fluoride
Desensitizing materials (toothpaste, gels, and rinses).
Dentin plugging agents to seal the risky dentin
Nocturnal guards of the bruxism
Repair of the destroyed teeth (fillings, crowns)
Gum grafting on severe cases of gum recession

At-Home Care Tips to Reduce Sensitivity

Treatment of teeth sensitivity at home begins with everyday things. To start with, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently to avoid wearing out your enamel. Applying toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can help prevent the transmission of pain, making it less painful over time. Avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar, which can deteriorate enamel. Also, avoid overusing certain products, especially those that can worsen sensitive teeth and exacerbate grinding, and discuss the use of a mouthguard with your dentist. Brush and floss every day using a gentle method, and avoid techniques that cause discomfort. Above all, maintain your regular dental visits. Early symptoms of damage can be detected by your dentist, allowing them to target an appropriate tooth sensitivity treatment to preserve healthy and free teeth.

FAQs

Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?

In other cases, mild sensitivity to teeth may diminish over time, particularly when it arises due to tooth irritation or wear. However, if it persists or intensifies, visiting a dentist is the right solution.

Is sensitivity a sign of a cavity?

Yes, it can be. Cavity or tooth decay can be the initial signs of tooth sensitivity.

Can children also have sensitive teeth?

Yes. Children can experience sensitive teeth or cold sensitivity, especially when they have worn enamel or cavities or have recently visited the dentist.