Causes of sensitive teeth

Information on Sensitive Teeth

Tooth discomfort and sensitivity get triggered when the teeth get exposed to the cold, hot, sour or sweet drinks and foods. Sometimes it may be triggered just by breathing cold air. The painful sensation usually occurs suddenly and involves a sharp pain which seems to be deeply rooted into the nerve endings of the teeth.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

The teeth become extremely sensitive when the dentin gets exposed. Dentin becomes exposed when the gum tissue recedes and the roots of the tooth get reached by different aforementioned stimuli which in the end results in the well known painful sensation.

Numerous different causes may lead to sensitive teeth. Brushing the teeth too hard may gradually wear the enamel down which leads to the exposure of the dentin and recession of the gums. Tooth sensitivity may also be triggered by recent routine dental procedures such as crown placement, teeth cleaning, tooth restoration and root planing.

Tooth decay which occurs near the gum line can also cause the teeth to become sensitive. Acidic foods are known of causing enamel erosion which may be very harmful.

Gum recession is another harmful medical condition which may lead to further complications such as the periodontal disease. Prolonged use of certain types of mouthwash can also be a great contributor to the development of sensitive teeth. That is due to the fact that they contain specific types of acid which may cause damage to the teeth and expose the dentin.

Gum disease involves inflammatory conditions which affect the gums and expose the root surface.

This may also make the teeth become more sensitive than usual. The gradual buildup of dental plaque can also be one of the factors responsible for increased tooth sensitivity. Broken, cracked or chipped teeth are a perfect place for the growth of different types of bacteria which may lead to the inflammatory conditions and increased tooth sensitivity.

Age of the patient is another defining factor when it comes to teeth sensitivity as it normally affects persons between 25 and 30 years of age. Grinding the teeth may wear the enamel down which ultimately leads to the exposure of dentin located underneath the enamel.

Numerous different tooth whitening products which contain hydrogen peroxide or baking soda may also contribute significantly to the development of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity may be reduced by maintaining proper oral hygiene, using soft toothbrushes and desensitized toothpaste. Only fluoridated dental products should be used.