Sensitive Teeth Causes and How to Relieve the Discomfort

 Ever bitten into something cold, like an icy drink, or something hot, like a steaming cuppa, and felt a sudden, sharp zing in your teeth? Or even when you brush your teeth or breathe in cold air? If so, you’re not alone! 

That’s tooth sensitivity, and it’s a feeling many, many people experience. It’s not usually a sign of something super serious, but it can definitely be annoying and uncomfortable. In this blog, we’ll explore the main sensitive teeth causes and how you can find some much-needed relief.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Imagine your tooth is like a little house. The outside walls, the roof, and the floor are all made of a super-hard, protective layer called enamel. This enamel is the toughest stuff in your body! Underneath the enamel, there’s a softer layer called dentin. Dentin is full of tiny, tiny tubes that go straight to the centre of your tooth, where the nerves are. Think of them like little tunnels leading to the tooth’s “brain.”

Normally, your enamel acts like a shield, protecting the dentin and those little tunnels. However, sometimes, for various reasons, the enamel can become worn down, or your gums (which also protect the bottom part of your teeth) can recede. When this happens, those tiny tunnels in the dentin get exposed.

So, when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or even sour, these substances can enter the exposed tunnels and reach the nerves inside your tooth. And BAM! You get that sudden, sharp, sometimes painful feeling. That’s tooth sensitivity in a nutshell.

Sensitive Teeth Causes: Why Do My Teeth Feel Like That?

Now for the big question: why do some people have sensitive teeth while others can bite into a block of ice with no worries? There are several common causes of tooth sensitivity, and it’s often a combination of factors. Let’s break them down:

  • Worn-Down Tooth Enamel: This is a super common culprit. Think of your enamel like the paint on a car – over time, it can chip, fade, and wear away.Brushing too hard: You might think scrubbing your teeth with all your might is good, but it can actually wear away your enamel and even push your gums back. Be gentle, like you’re polishing something precious!
  • Acidic foods and drinks: Items such as soft drinks, fruit juices (even healthy ones!), citrus fruits, and certain sports drinks are highly acidic. These acids can slowly dissolve your enamel over time, like acid rain on a statue.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): If you grind your teeth, especially at night while you’re asleep, you’re putting excessive pressure on your teeth. This can wear down the enamel and even cause tiny cracks in your teeth.
  • Tooth decay (cavities): A hole in your tooth (a cavity) means the enamel is already gone in that spot, leaving the dentin exposed.
  • Worn-out fillings: If you have old fillings, they may become loose or crack, creating gaps that can lead to sensitivity.
  • Gum Recession (Gums Pulling Back): Your gums are like the collar around your teeth, protecting the roots. If your gums start to pull back, the softer root surface of your tooth, which is covered by something called cementum (not as strong as enamel), becomes exposed. And guess what? This cementum also has those tiny tunnels leading to the tooth’s nerves!Aggressive brushing: Again, brushing too hard can damage your gums and make them recede.
  • Gum disease (periodontal disease): This is an infection of the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It can cause your gums to swell, bleed, and eventually pull away from your teeth. If you notice bleeding gums, it’s a good idea to see your dentist, like dentist Endeavour Hills VIC.
  • Smoking: Smoking can make gum disease worse and contribute to gum recession.
  • Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just how you’re built – some people are more prone to gum recession than others.
  • Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A crack or chip in your tooth can extend through the enamel and expose the dentin, or even the pulp (the centre of the tooth). These cracks can be tiny and hard to see, but they can still cause sensitivity. This can happen from biting on something hard, an injury, or even from grinding your teeth.
  • Recent Dental Work: It’s super common to feel some sensitivity after dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or teeth whitening. This is usually temporary and settles down within a few days or weeks as your tooth recovers.
  • Acid Reflux or Vomiting: If you suffer from acid reflux (heartburn) or frequently vomit, the stomach acid that comes up can be very corrosive to your tooth enamel, wearing it away over time.

Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth: What Does It Feel Like?

The main symptom of sensitive teeth is a short, sharp pain that usually goes away quickly. It’s often triggered by:

  • Cold foods or drinks: Ice cream, cold water, frosty drinks.
  • Hot foods or drinks: Tea, coffee, hot soup.
  • Sweet foods: Chocolates, lollies.
  • Sour or acidic foods: Citrus fruits, vinegar.
  • Cold air: Breathing in cold air, especially in winter.
  • Brushing or flossing: Sometimes, even the gentle pressure can trigger it.

The pain can range from a mild ache to a sudden, intense zing. It usually affects just one or a few teeth, but it can sometimes feel more widespread.

How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth: Getting That Zing Under Control

Good news! There are several ways to find relief from tooth sensitivity. It often starts with figuring out the cause and then taking steps to fix it.

  • Use a desensitising toothpaste: These toothpastes are specially designed to block those tiny tunnels in your dentin, preventing triggers from reaching the nerves. Look for ingredients like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. You need to use them regularly, twice a day, for a few weeks to see the best results.
  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush: This is a big one! Ditch the hard-bristled brush and opt for a soft or extra-soft one. Use gentle, circular motions instead of scrubbing back and forth. Think of it like a gentle massage for your teeth and gums.
  • Use fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and can also help reduce sensitivity. Swish it around after brushing.
  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Try to limit your intake of fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and very sour foods. If you do have them, try to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralise the acids. Using a straw for acidic drinks can also help reduce contact with your teeth.
  • Address teeth grinding: If you clench or grind your teeth, talk to your dentist. They might recommend a custom-made mouthguard (also called a nightguard or splint) to wear while you sleep. This acts as a cushion and protects your teeth from the grinding forces.
  • See your dentist! This is probably the most important step. Your dentist can help pinpoint the exact cause of your sensitivity and recommend the best gum recession treatment or other solutions. They might suggest:Fluoride varnish: Your dentist can apply a high-strength fluoride varnish to your sensitive teeth, which provides a concentrated dose of fluoride to strengthen enamel.
  • Bonding or sealing: If you have exposed root surfaces due to gum recession, your dentist might apply a special resin or bonding agent to cover them up and protect them.
  • Gum grafts: For more severe gum recession, a gum graft might be an option. This involves taking a small piece of tissue from another part of your mouth (or using donor tissue) and attaching it to the area where the gum has receded. This can cover the exposed root and protect it.
  • Fillings or crowns: If a cavity or a cracked tooth is causing the sensitivity, fixing it with a filling or a crown will usually solve the problem.
  • Root canal treatment: In very rare cases, if the sensitivity is severe and persistent and other treatments haven’t worked, your dentist might suggest a root canal. This involves removing the inflamed nerve from the tooth.

Preventing Sensitive Teeth in the Future: Keep Those Zings Away!

Once you’ve got your sensitivity under control, the goal is to keep it from coming back! Here are some key prevention tips:

  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
  • Don’t brush too hard: Remember, gentle is key!
  • Limit acidic foods and drinks: Make them occasional treats, not everyday staples. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
  • Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth: This is a simple but effective way to protect your enamel.
  • Regular dental check-ups: Seeing your dentist Berwick or a dentist in Endeavour Hills VIC regularly (usually every six months) is crucial. They can spot problems like early gum recession or enamel wear before they become major issues. They can also provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which contributes to gum disease.
  • Don’t ignore pain: If you experience any tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t just put up with it. Get it checked out by your dentist sooner rather than later. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems.

Conclusion

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain, making everyday activities like eating and drinking uncomfortable. But by understanding the sensitive teeth causes, like worn-down enamel and gum recession, and by taking proactive steps to relieve and prevent it, you can get back to enjoying your favourite foods without that sudden zing. Remember, good oral hygiene, a gentle touch when brushing, and regular visits to your dentist are your best defence against tooth sensitivity.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

The good news is that most cases of tooth sensitivity are treatable. Take the first step towards a more comfortable smile by booking an appointment with your trusted local dental practice today. 

Whether you’re looking for a dentist Berwick or a dentist Endeavour Hills VIC, a professional assessment can help identify the root cause of your discomfort and provide you with the best solutions for lasting relief. 

Get in touch – your teeth will thank you!

Source: Dental Anxiety: Tips to Stay Calm at the Dentist

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