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Sensitive Teeth: Overview, causes, symptoms and treatment

Last updated on : 18 Mar, 2024

Read time : 6 min

Sensitivity is often described by people as a “short, sharp sensation” they feel after eating something hot, cold, or sweet. When it comes to the impact, this physical discomfort is just the beginning of sensitive teeth.

How do you know your teeth are sensitive and why do you have Sensitive Teeth?

If you have sensitive teeth, eating or drinking something cold can cause discomfort. The intensity of this pain can range from mild to severe, and it might come on unexpectedly. Ice cream and hot soup can cause pain and anguish, but have you ever felt that way after eating them? People with sensitive teeth are more likely to experience pain when eating hot or cold foods. Dental hypersensitivity, or “tooth sensitivity,” is exactly what it sounds like: a reaction to particular stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures, that causes pain or discomfort in the teeth themselves. One tooth, several teeth, or all of an individual’s teeth may be affected by this condition. A simple adjustment to your oral hygiene regimen will usually suffice to alleviate the symptoms of sensitive teeth in the majority of people. Dental sensitivity can cause discomfort while brushing or flossing, so it’s critical to identify the source and begin therapy.

Is there a medical explanation for sensitive teeth?

Thinner enamel (enamel, a protective outer covering) causes some people’s teeth to be more sensitive. It is possible to wear down the enamel of a tooth by brushing too hard with a hard toothbrush; grinding your teeth at night; regularly eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages. Teeth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of other conditions. For example, acid from the stomach and oesophagus can go up the oesophagal sphincter and wear down teeth. Eating disorders, such as bulimia and gastroparesis, can cause acid to erode down the enamel of the teeth. A receding gum line can expose the tooth’s root and cause sensitivity. Sensitivity can be caused by disease, fractured teeth, chipped teeth, and worn-down fillings or crowns. Only one or a few teeth or areas of the mouth may be sensitive, rather than the majority of teeth. Teeth sensitivity can occur after dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or bleaching. It’s also possible that the sensitivity will be limited to only one tooth or the surrounding teeth. Soon, this will begin to diminish.

Sensitive teeth causes

There are several possibilities, including:

  • decaying teeth (cavities)
  • Teeth that are broken
  • Worn-out dentures
  • a disease of the gums
  • Teeth with worn-out enamel
  • The exposed root of the tooth.

In healthy teeth, the crowns of your teeth (the region above the gum line) are protected by a layer of enamel. An outer layer known as cementum shields the tooth root from harm. Dentin is located beneath the enamel and cementum layers. There are microscopic tubules in the dentin, which makes it less dense than enamel and cementum (small hollow tubes or canals). These tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to enter the nerves and cells inside the tooth when the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum. When gums recede, the dentin may also be visible. Hypersensitivity can occur as a result.

Signs and symptoms of sensitive teeth

Swelling, pain, bleeding gum are all sensitive teeth symptoms. These signs indicate that teeth are more susceptible to sensitivity and can be more painful or uncomfortable for those who suffer from the condition. The affected teeth’s roots may be painful. Pain or discomfort in sensitive teeth is triggered due to:

  • foods and beverages that are hot
  • foods and drinks that are best served chilled
  • items with a high acidity
  • cold water uses especially during regular dental cleanings
  • using mouthwashes with alcohol after brushing or flossing your teeth

Your symptoms may fluctuate over time for no apparent reason. They can be mild or severe.

Diagnosis and Tooth sensitivity treatment

How is the diagnosis for sensitive teeth required?

To determine what is causing your teeth to be sensitive, a dentist can examine your teeth for signs of decay, loose fillings, or receding gums, among other things. Make an appointment with your dentist if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity for the first time. During your regular dental cleaning, your dentist can perform this procedure. They’ll clean your teeth and conduct a visual examination as part of their diagnosis. A dental X-ray and a touch-up with dental instruments can be used to rule out cavities as possible causes of your tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth remedy

Treatment for sensitive teeth is possible. Depending on the source of the sensitivity, the sensitive teeth remedy will take a different approach. Your dentist may recommend one of several procedures:

  1. Disinfecting toothpaste- As a result, this product contains substances that help to inhibit the nerve’s transmission of sensation, and it normally takes many administrations to lessen sensitivity.
  2. Fluoride-based gel- Strengthens the tooth enamel and minimizes the transmission of feelings by using an in-office procedure.
  3. A dental crown, inlay, or bonding- These can be employed to fix a sensitivity-causing fault or deterioration.
  4. Gum grafting surgery- The root will be protected and the sensitivity will be reduced if gum tissue has been removed from the root.
  5. Extraction of the tooth’s pulp- A dentist may offer a sensitive teeth remedy if the sensitivity is strong and persistent and cannot be addressed in other ways.
  6. Sensitive teeth can be avoided with good oral hygiene- If you have issues regarding your regular oral hygiene practice or worries about tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.

The sensitive teeth remedy for medical problems of teeth- If you have dental sensitivity due to an underlying problem, seek sensitive teeth remedy as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the enamel. Acid reducers can be used to treat GERD, however, bulimia should only be treated by a psychiatrist. Brushing more gently and practising proper dental hygiene are two ways to combat receding gums. Gum grafting may be recommended by your dentist if you have extreme sensitivity and discomfort as a result of significant gum recession. For the tooth’s protection, this method uses the palate’s tissue to place a layer over the root of the tooth. You may train yourself to stop clenching or grinding your teeth by being aware of not doing so throughout the day. Preventing nighttime teeth-grinding by reducing stress and caffeine intake can also be beneficial. To protect your teeth, you can wear a mouthguard at night if this doesn’t work.

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Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

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