Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? While some sensitive teeth problems can be normal, others require immediate dental care. The most common symptoms of tooth sensitivity to look out for are issues like:

Cold Sensitivity 

It’s quite normal (and healthy) for your teeth to become sensitive to cold liquids and foods. Particularly if you have used teeth whitening products. The most sensitive teeth are usually the front ones.

Hot Temperatures

Heat Sensitivity is normally only present if your tooth nerve is damaged or infected. You feel the sensation most when you drink a cup of coffee or eat warm foods. An abscess may be imminent.

Sugary Drinks/Sweets

Even if your sugar intake is low, sweet drinks like juice or coffee creamer can cause tooth irritation. Healthy teeth are not prone to sweet sensitivity. It’s usually due to an active cavity.

Pressure Sensitivity

If your tooth is sore or sensitive when you bite down on it, there may be some type of gum infection around the tooth or abscess at the tip of the root.

What Can Cause Sensitive Teeth?

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. Some are preventable/avoidable, while others are not.

Too hard of a toothbrush.

There is a fine line between brushing properly and scrubbing your teeth too hard. Too much aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession and thinning of tooth enamel. These conditions can cause tooth sensitivity, especially along the gumlines. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use only a small amount of pressure when brushing.

Sugary and acidic foods.

Tooth enamel is one of the most durable substances in the human body. It is susceptible to acidic and erosion. Tooth enamel can be damaged by acid reflux disease, sugars, artificial sweeteners, and acidic foods. Cavities and enamel erosion can be expected.

Teeth grinding.

Bruxism refers to a condition in which people subconsciously clench or grind their teeth. It can be caused by stress or an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Gradually, it can lead to thin enamel layers breaking off and causing sensitivity.

Whitening products.

Tooth whitening toothpastes, gels, and toothpastes open the pores (tubules) in your teeth, naturally exposing the microscopic nerve endings within your tooth enamel. Repeated use can cause your teeth to become more sensitive over time. However, everyone reacts differently to these products. To counter hypersensitivity, we can adjust the gel concentrations or apply fluoride.

Gum disease.

Periodontal disease can cause soreness in the teeth when you chew and expose the root surfaces as the tissues recede. Sensitivity can be caused by either of these conditions. These issues include gum tenderness, inflammation, bleeding, and even bleeding.

Cavities.

Cavities are formed when areas of tooth decay develop within your enamel. Sometimes they hurt but sometimes they don’t. The severity of a cavity isn’t necessarily determined by its pain or sensitivity. However, cavities are known to cause tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink sweetened beverages, no matter if it’s an artificial or natural sweetener.

Cracked teeth.

Deep cracks can cause damage to the tooth’s overall integrity. This is especially true if the crack extends through the root or into the nerve chamber. Cracked teeth are most painful when you bite down. While it may not hurt, releasing tension can cause pain or sensitivity in certain areas of your mouth.

Abscessed teeth.

A dental abscess can cause tooth sensitivity, just like cavities. However, sensitive teeth from abscessed teeth or with an infected nerve will usually be more sensitive to heat than healthy teeth. Although cold sensitivity can be normal, heat sensitivity is a sign of an abscessed tooth or a dying tooth. Abscesses can also cause swelling and drainage at the roots of the teeth. An X-ray is usually required to identify which tooth has an abscess. It can be difficult to determine exactly where the pain or sensitivity is coming from.

Previous tooth trauma.

An injury to the mouth, such as during football practice or an auto accident, can cause problems with your teeth years or even decades later. Sometimes, tooth trauma is not visible immediately. The nerve in the injured tooth may take several years to show visible symptoms. It is quite normal for sensitivity to develop and discoloration to occur.

Large fillings in your tooth.

If you need to repair a large crack or cavity, the new restoration may need to be placed very close to the nerve. Your tooth might be sensitive to cold temperatures and pressure as a result. Normally, these teeth will adjust over time. If not, you may need endodontic treatment.

Sensitive Teeth Treatment (Clear Lake)

If your sensitive teeth symptoms continue, please schedule a professional evaluation at Rosas Family Dentistry today.