Are you someone who suffers from tooth sensitivity, but aren’t sure why? Unexpected pain or discomfort when consuming hot or cold food and drinks are common symptoms of sensitive teeth. Figuring out the underlying issue will help you understand the steps to take in getting yourself feeling better.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is an exaggerated response to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks, exposure to cold air and even brushing your teeth. If you’re someone who has felt this short, sharp, painful sensation when taking a bite of ice cream, or slurping a mouthful of hot soup, then you know what we’re talking about. Having tooth sensitivity can make eating a challenge, and enjoying your favorite treats near impossible.
Symptoms of sensitive teeth
Symptoms of sensitive teeth can vary in intensity, spanning from subtle discomfort to acute pain. This sensation often fluctuates, with periods of relief interspersed with episodes of heightened sensitivity. The discomfort may be localized to a single tooth or affect multiple teeth simultaneously, depending upon the underlying cause of the sensitivity.
Understanding tooth structure
In order to figure out why your teeth are sensitive, it’s important to understand the makeup and structure of a tooth. Each tooth consists of 1) a crown, which is the visible part of the tooth, and 2) the root, which anchors the tooth into your jaw. Components of the crown include:
- Tooth enamel: The hard, white looking layer that protects the sensitive inner parts of the tooth.
- Cementum: A thin, protective layer of bone-like tissue underneath the gum line that protects the tooth root.
- Dentin: A layer of softer tissue which contains tiny canals
- Pulp: The soft tissue inside each tooth that contains blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves.
If for any reason the enamel starts to wear away or erode (dental erosion), your tooth’s dentin is exposed. If you were to eat a cold popsicle with exposed dentin, the second it touches your tooth you may experience extreme tooth sensitivity. Why? Nerve signals in the root of your tooth that are not protected by enamel respond by sending signals to the brain. This results in a sudden onset of tooth sensitivity and pain.
When enamel deterioration or dental erosion occurs, it exposes the underlying dentin of your tooth. This exposure can lead to heightened sensitivity. For instance, consuming a frozen treat like a popsicle may trigger extreme tooth sensitivity. Why? Nerve signals in the root of your tooth that are not protected by enamel rapidly transmit signals to the brain when stimulated by cold. Consequently, you experience an abrupt onset of dental sensitivity and discomfort.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
A range of factors can lead to tooth sensitivity but there are two main underlying factors: Enamel loss and gum recession.
Causes of Enamel Loss
- Acid erosion: Overconsumption of acidic foods and drinks such as soda and other high-sugar beverages.
- Dry Mouth: When your body is not producing enough saliva, your mouth can become too dry resulting in enamel loss.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: People who suffer from acid reflux or GERD, may experience enamel loss faster than others. This is due to the amount of acid coming back up into their mouth after food has already been digested.
- Genetics: Thin tooth enamel can be extremely genetic. If your parents are prone to cavities, and tooth sensitivity there is a good chance you will experience the same thing.
- Environmental issues: Every day wear and tear, friction and stress.
Causes of Gum Recession
- Brushing too hard: Brush too aggressively can cause damage to your gums resulting in gingival recession. When this occurs, you may notice a sudden onset of tooth pain.
- Gum Disease: If you have gum disease, you are at an increased risk of gum recession. It’s important to take good care of your oral hygiene to reduce plaque and tarter buildup for these reasons.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Too much pressure on the teeth over time due clenching or grinding can cause gum recession. If you’re someone who grinds their teeth at night, please talk to our team at Jones Orthodontics or your general dentist about the benefits of a night guard.
- Hormonal changes: Did you know hormones can have a direct effect on your oral health and can even speed up the process of gum recession?
- Smoking: Tobacco products increase plaque build-up on teeth, which over time can lead to a greater risk of gum recession.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping your teeth healthy and your enamel strong. Consider the following tips to keep your teeth healthy and avoid sensitivity:
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush in a circular motion to keep your teeth and gums clear of plaque and tarter buildup.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and dental cleaning.
- Minimize consumption of acidic foods and beverages. When indulging in carbonated drinks, promptly brush your teeth afterward to prevent prolonged sugar exposure on dental surfaces.
Benefits of Orthodontics
It’s important to note that dental sensitivity can also arise from improper tooth alignment or malocclusion. Misaligned teeth create additional crevices where plaque can accumulate, complicating oral hygiene efforts. Various bite irregularities – including overbites, underbites, and crossbites – may induce discomfort due to abnormal tooth contact during mastication. The persistent friction resulting from these misalignments can, over time, lead to increased dental pain and sensitivity.
At Jones Orthodontics, we can help align your teeth and jaw to avoid these issues in the future, or alleviate pain you may already be experiencing. Visit our website by clicking here, or give our office a call to schedule a free consultation: 919-493-7554.