Do you ever feel a jolt of pain when biting into something cold or sweet, or wince when brushing your teeth? If so, you’re experiencing a common but frustrating dental issue: tooth sensitivity. This unwelcome discomfort can disrupt your daily routine, making even simple pleasures, like enjoying a meal or sipping a drink, a painful experience.
At St Peter’s Lodge in St Albans, we believe that understanding the causes of tooth sensitivity is the first step towards relief. Whether you’re dealing with occasional twinges or persistent discomfort, we can guide you through the common causes of tooth sensitivity, and the best treatments to restore your comfort and confidence in your smile.
Common Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that can be characterised by temporary sharp pain or discomfort in one or more teeth. This pain can occur at different times in the day, and usually when exposed to certain things. For example:
- When consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks
- When brushing or flossing
- Cold air
The symptoms of tooth sensitivity may come and go and can vary in intensity, but it is important to recognise when you feel pain or discomfort and to seek out the possible cause to get the best treatment possible.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth becomes exposed. This can happen because of erosion (wear and tear) or gum recession (when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth), leaving the nerves exposed and resulting in the pain you feel when drinking or eating something hot, cold or sweet.
Aggressive Brushing
Aggressive brushing, although often done with the intent of keeping teeth extra clean, can do more harm than good. Brushing too hard, or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush, can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth that helps to shield them from extreme temperatures and acidic foods. Over time, this enamel erosion can expose the underlying dentin – a sensitive layer filled with tiny nerve endings – meaning that everyday activities like eating or drinking can trigger sharp pain.
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing the roots of your teeth. As the roots become exposed, they leave the sensitive inner dentin layer vulnerable, leading to heightened sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet stimuli. Gum recession could be caused by aggressive brushing, periodontal disease or even genetic predisposition, making it a significant contributor to tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are common causes of tooth sensitivity, as they gradually break down the protective outer layers of the teeth. This creates small holes, or cavities, that expose the inner pulp where the nerves are located. When these nerves are exposed, they become more susceptible to extreme temperature triggers, leading to sharp lingering pain and discomfort. If left untreated, cavities can worsen, causing not only increased sensitivity but more serious dental issues like infections or abscesses.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
When a tooth is chipped or broken, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial invasion, which can lead to cavities. The damage means that bacteria can accumulate in the pulp, causing inflammation, which can worsen tooth sensitivity.
Recent Dental Procedures
Some people may find that their tooth sensitivity is increased after dental procedures like fillings, cleanings or restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually goes in around four to six weeks.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism is a problem when you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth – you may not even realise that you have it. Excessive teeth grinding can wear away the enamel of your teeth, leaving the underlying dentin exposed and more susceptible to pain.
Treatment
Several different treatments are available for tooth sensitivity, depending on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
- Changing Toothpaste – Several brands of toothpaste are specifically designed to help combat sensitive teeth. You may need to try different brands to find what works best for you, and you can talk to your dentist during a check-up to see which one they recommend.
- Dental Bonding or Sealants – Tooth sensitivity is often caused by the exposed dentin due to enamel erosion or receding gums, so your dentist may recommend applying dental bonding or sealants to cover and protect the surfaces which have been exposed and are causing pain.
- Root Canal Therapy – In more serious cases of tooth sensitivity, root canal therapy may be necessary if the nerve inside the tooth is affected. This will remove the damaged nerve tissue and alleviate the sensitivity, helping to reduce pain.
- Mouthguard – If your tooth sensitivity is due to excessive teeth grinding, your dentist may recommend you wear a mouthguard to help protect the enamel of your teeth and limit the stress you put on them, reducing any further damage that may be caused.
Preventative Measures
- Good Oral Hygiene – Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and strengthen the enamel, which can reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and promote overall dental health.
- Dietary Adjustments – Making dietary adjustments, such as reducing the intake of acidic and sugary foods, can help protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay, and therefore reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity.
- Address Dental Issues – If you have cavities, cracked teeth or gum disease, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. These dental problems can increase the risk of tooth sensitivity if left untreated.
When Should I See a Dentist?
Knowing when to seek professional help for tooth sensitivity is crucial for preventing any further dental issues.
You should consider seeing a dentist if you experience persistent or severe sensitivity that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments or changes in your oral hygiene routine. Additionally, if your sensitivity is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling or visible damage to your teeth, it’s important to get a professional opinion.
Frequent sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, especially if it disrupts your daily life, may indicate underlying problems that need attention. Regular dental check-ups can also help identify and address sensitivity issues before they become more serious. If you want to learn why regular dental check-ups can improve your overall health, read our latest article here.
If you have any concerns about your tooth sensitivity or any underlying issue that may be causing this, then schedule an appointment today with one of our dentists in St Albans to get a professional examination and advice on how you can improve your oral health.
