Sensitive Teeth Cause : What Triggers the Pain?

 Have you ever taken a sip of your morning coffee and suddenly felt a sharp jolt of pain in your teeth? Or maybe you’ve bitten into an ice cream cone and experienced a similar uncomfortable sensation? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Lots of Aussies deal with sensitive teeth, and it can be a real bother.

This blog post is all about understanding why your teeth get sensitive. We’ll explore what’s going on inside your mouth when you feel that zing, and we’ll look at the common things that can trigger it. We’ll also share some easy tips to help manage the pain and, most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

So, let’s dive in and get to the bottom of your sensitive teeth!

What Does Tooth Sensitivity Feel Like?

Tooth sensitivity isn’t like a dull ache. It’s usually a quick, sharp, and sometimes intense pain that comes and goes. It’s often triggered by certain things, like:

• Hot foods or drinks: Think of that first sip of hot tea or coffee.
• Cold foods or drinks: Ice cream, cold water, or even just breathing in cold air can set it off.
• Sweet foods or drinks: Sugary snacks and fizzy drinks can sometimes cause a twinge.
• Acidic foods or drinks: Citrus fruits, vinegar, and some sauces might be a problem.
• Brushing your teeth: The bristles of your toothbrush can sometimes trigger sensitivity, especially if you brush too hard.

The pain usually lasts for a short time – just a few seconds – and then goes away once the trigger is removed. If the pain sticks around for a long time, or if it’s a constant ache, it might be a sign of something else, and it’s a good idea to see your dentist.

Understanding Tooth Structure and Sensitivity

To understand why your teeth get sensitive, it helps to know a little bit about what your teeth are made of.

Imagine your tooth like a layered cake:

• Enamel: This is the hard, shiny outer layer of your tooth. It’s the strongest substance in your body and acts like a protective shield for the inner parts of your tooth. When this enamel is healthy and strong, it does a great job of protecting you from sensitivity.
• Dentin: Right underneath the enamel is a softer layer called dentin. Dentin is full of tiny, tiny tubes called “dentinal tubules.” These tubes lead directly to the centre of your tooth, where the nerve is.
• Pulp: In the very middle of your tooth is the pulp. This is where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This is the “brain” of your tooth, sending signals of pain when something is wrong.

Now, here’s the important part: When the protective enamel wears away, or if your gums pull back (recede), those tiny dentinal tubules in the dentin become exposed. When hot, cold, sweet, or acidic things touch these exposed tubules, they can stimulate the nerves in the pulp, sending a sharp pain signal to your brain. This is the sensitive teeth that cause you to feel!

Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Many different things can lead to tooth sensitivity. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons why your teeth react to hot, cold, and sweet:

• Worn Enamel: As we just discussed, the enamel is your tooth’s bodyguard. If it gets worn down, the dentin underneath becomes exposed. This can happen from:
  • Brushing too hard: Scrubbing your teeth with a hard toothbrush and too much pressure can slowly wear away the enamel.
  • Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism): Many people grind their teeth at night without even knowing it. This puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and can wear down the enamel.
  • Acidic foods and drinks: Regularly consuming highly acidic foods and drinks like soft drinks, fruit juices, and citrus fruits can erode your enamel over time.
• Receding Gums: Your gums are meant to protect the roots of your teeth. If your gums start to pull back (recede), the roots of your teeth can become exposed. The roots don’t have that tough enamel layer; they’re covered by a softer material called cementum. When this is exposed, it’s very easy for sensitivity to occur because those dentinal tubules are right there. Gum recession can be caused by:
  • Aggressive brushing: Again, brushing too hard can damage your gums and make them recede.
  • Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): This is an infection of the gums that can cause them to pull away from your teeth.
  • Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just how your gums are naturally.
• Tooth Decay (Cavities): A hole in your tooth, also known as a cavity, means the enamel has been breached. This allows hot, cold, and sweet things to reach the sensitive inner parts of your tooth directly. This is a very common cause of sensitive teeth.
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Even a tiny crack in a tooth can expose the dentin and cause sensitivity. You might not even see the crack, but it can still let triggers reach the nerve.
• Old Fillings: Over time, fillings can wear down, crack, or even fall out, creating gaps where sensitivity can occur. The edge of a filling can also become sensitive if it’s not perfectly sealed.
• After Dental Work: It’s common to experience temporary sensitivity after dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or teeth whitening. This usually settles down within a few days or weeks.

Lifestyle Habits That Worsen Sensitivity

Beyond the direct causes, some everyday habits can make your sensitive teeth even worse or contribute to the problem in the first place:

• Aggressive Brushing: We’ve mentioned it a few times, but it’s worth repeating. Brushing too hard is a major culprit for both enamel wear and gum recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.
• Frequent Snacking on Acidic Foods and Drinks: If you’re constantly sipping on soft drinks, sports drinks, or eating citrus fruits throughout the day, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to acid. This repeated acid attack can wear down your enamel faster.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Whether you do it during the day or at night, grinding and clenching your teeth puts immense pressure on your enamel, leading to cracks and wear.
• Using Whitening Toothpastes (sometimes): Some whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can, over time, contribute to enamel wear if used excessively or if your enamel is already compromised.
• Improper Flossing: While flossing is essential, it can sometimes irritate gums and contribute to recession if done too aggressively.

Dental Conditions Linked to Tooth Sensitivity

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity isn’t just about surface issues; it can be a symptom of an underlying dental problem that needs attention from a dentist in High Street or wherever you are located.

• Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): As mentioned earlier, gum disease causes inflammation and can lead to gums pulling away from your teeth, exposing the sensitive roots.
• Tooth Abscess: This is a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection, usually at the root of a tooth. An abscess can cause severe and persistent sensitivity, often accompanied by throbbing pain and swelling.
• Tooth Fracture or Chip: Even a small crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leading to sharp sensitivity.
• Worn or Leaky Fillings: Old fillings can become worn down or develop tiny gaps, allowing bacteria and temperature changes to reach the dentin.

When Sensitivity Signals a Larger Problem

While occasional, short-lived sensitivity is common, there are times when it’s a red flag that you need to see a dentist urgently. Seek dental help if:

• The pain is constant, severe, or throbbing.
• The sensitivity doesn’t disappear after using sensitivity-specific products for a few days or weeks.
• You notice swelling in your gums or face.
• You have a fever.
• You see a visible hole or crack in your tooth.
• The sensitivity started suddenly and is getting worse.

These could be signs of a cavity, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or even an infection that needs professional treatment.

At-Home Tips to Manage Sensitivity

The good news is there’s a lot you can do at home to help manage your sensitive teeth and get some sensitive teeth pain relief:

• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: This is probably the most important change you can make. A soft brush cleans just as effectively without damaging your enamel or gums.
• Brush Gently: Don’t scrub your teeth like you’re cleaning a floor! Use gentle, circular motions.
• Switch to a Desensitising Toothpaste: These toothpastes are specially formulated with ingredients like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride that help block the tiny tubules in your dentin, preventing triggers from reaching the nerve. You’ll need to use them regularly for a few weeks to notice a difference.
• Use Fluoride Mouthwash: Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and can reduce sensitivity.
• Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Try to limit your intake of soft drinks, fruit juices, citrus fruits, and other highly acidic foods. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help neutralise the acid.
• Don’t Brush Immediately After Eating Acidic Foods: The acid temporarily softens your enamel, making it more vulnerable to wear if you brush right away. Wait at least 30 minutes.
• Consider a Night Guard for Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-made night guard from your dentist can protect your teeth from further damage and reduce sensitivity.

Professional Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

If at-home remedies aren’t enough, your dentist has a range of professional treatments that can offer more significant, sensitive teeth pain relief:

• Fluoride Varnish or Gel: Your dentist can apply a high-concentration fluoride varnish or gel to your teeth. This helps to strengthen enamel and block the dentinal tubules.
• Bonding or Dental Sealants: For exposed root surfaces, your dentist might apply a tooth-coloured resin material (bonding) or a dental sealant to cover the sensitive area, acting as a protective barrier.
• Gum Grafting: If gum recession is severe, a gum graft procedure can cover the exposed root surfaces, reducing sensitivity and protecting your teeth. This is usually done by a specialist periodontist.
• Root Canal Treatment: If sensitivity is severe and persistent, and other treatments haven’t worked, it might indicate a problem with the nerve in the tooth. In such cases, root canal treatment might be necessary to remove the infected or damaged pulp, eliminating the pain. This is usually a last resort for sensitivity.
• In-Office Desensitising Agents: Dentists have professional-strength desensitising agents that they can apply to your teeth for immediate relief.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to deal with sensitive teeth is to prevent them from happening in the first place! Here are some key prevention tips:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. This removes plaque and helps prevent gum disease and cavities, which are major causes of tooth sensitivity.
• Brush Gently: Don’t underestimate the power of gentle brushing.
• Use Fluoride Products: Regular use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash strengthens your enamel.
• Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Be mindful of what you eat and drink, and rinse with water after consuming acidic items.
• Address Teeth Grinding: If you suspect you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a night guard.
• Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleans: Visiting your dentist Launceston regularly for check-ups and professional cleans is crucial. Your dentist can spot potential problems early, like gum recession or early signs of enamel wear, before they become major issues. They can also provide professional fluoride treatments if needed.

When to See a Dentist

While it’s okay to try at-home remedies for mild, temporary sensitivity, it’s always best to see your dentist if:

• Your sensitivity is new, severe, or getting worse.
• It lasts for a long time after the trigger is removed.
• You notice any swelling, redness, or bleeding gums.
• You have a visible chip, crack, or hole in your tooth.
• Your at-home efforts aren’t providing relief.

Your dentist can accurately diagnose the causes of sensitive teeth and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. They can also rule out any more serious underlying issues.

Conclusion

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain, making everyday activities like eating and drinking uncomfortable. But by understanding the causes of tooth sensitivity – from worn enamel and receding gums to dental conditions like cavities – you’re already on your way to managing it.

Source: Sensitive Teeth Cause : What Triggers the Pain?