What Causes Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

If your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold, you might think you’re experiencing a toothache or some form of tooth decay. But this type of pain could be a symptom of tooth sensitivity. Any number of things could cause tooth sensitivity. Also known as dentin hypersensitivity, this type of pain can be hard to live with. Tooth sensitivity is characterized by a sharp pain that radiates down the nerve of the tooth. It is a temporary pain, and it is typically triggered by hot or cold foods or drinks, brushing or flossing, sweet foods, or cold air.

Our teeth are surrounded by a substance called enamel. This is a hard exterior that protects the softer part of the tooth and keeps it healthy and pain-free. So why sudden tooth sensitivity? In some cases, enamel erosion can occur. How does this happen? What are the causes of the wearing down of enamel? Here are some answers.

How Does Your Tooth Become Sensitive?

When you suddenly have tooth sensitivity, you may be wondering why this has happened. Here are some causes of tooth sensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

• Teeth Grinding
  When individuals are stressed out, they can begin to grind their teeth. Whether this grinding happens during sleep or waking hours, the habit of grinding can have a significant impact on tooth enamel.When the enamel is worn off the tooth, the sensitive dentin is exposed, and the tooth can become painful.
• Aggressive Brushing
  Brushing teeth too forcefully can cause the gums to erode. This can expose the root of the tooth, causing sensitivity in the nerve. The root of the tooth is not protected by enamel like the rest of the tooth.
• Gingivitis
  Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease. Individuals with gingivitis can experience swelling and puffiness of the gum tissue. Gingivitis can also mean that the gum can pull away from the tooth, exposing the root. This means tooth sensitivity can occur.
• Effects of Teeth Whitening
  We all want to pass that tissue test. Who doesn’t want whiter teeth? But use caution. Some tooth whitening products can cause erosion of the enamel of the tooth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
• Weakened Tooth Enamel
  Some other factors can cause the enamel on the tooth to become weakened. These factors could include certain prescription medications, aging, and consuming highly acidic foods.
• Newly Developed Tooth Decay
  Sometimes, a tooth may feel sensitive because of newly developing tooth decay. In this case, tooth sensitivity is a warning sign that the tooth needs to be repaired or perhaps a cavity needs to be filled. Tooth sensitivity after a filling can also occur, but it typically subsides as the tooth heals.
• Chipped Tooth
  Any damage to a tooth can mean tooth sensitivity can occur. It’s best to get a chipped tooth treated right away.

How to Treat Teeth Sensitivity

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a fluoride rinse. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen enamel.
• Use a sensitive teeth toothpaste. Some ingredients in desensitizing toothpaste include potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride. These ingredients block nerve signals and build enamel.
• Avoid acidic or sugary foods and drinks and avoid other “trigger” foods.
• Use a mouth guard if you grind your teeth.

Pinning Down a Cause

If you are experiencing teeth sensitivity, you will want to pin down the cause of this sensitivity. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will help you pinpoint the cause of your tooth sensitivity and be able to offer recommendations for treatments such as desensitizing toothpaste, protective dental procedures, or fluoride treatments.

Prevention Tips

Of course, if we can prevent teeth sensitivity, we want to do it. Here are some prevention tips.

• Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes. Try to use a toothbrush that has soft bristles and brush the teeth gently in a circular motion. This will massage the gums, promoting gum health. It will also prevent the erosion of enamel.
• Avoid foods and drinks that are bad for the teeth. This can mean foods and beverages with high sugar content, but it can also mean high acidity. Sodas and candy are culprits, but so are citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and other acidic foods.
• Avoid teeth grinding. While much teeth clenching and grinding may happen during sleeping hours, your dentist may be able to recommend a bite guard or treatment to protect your enamel.
• Be careful with teeth whitening. Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening so that you can make sure you are not damaging your teeth through whitening.

Call Portage Northern Dental Today

When you’re ready to get to the bottom of what is causing your tooth sensitivity, it’s time to contact Portage Northern Dental. At Portage Northern Dental, we take a whole-mouth approach to dentistry so that we can meet all of your dental needs. We realize you have options when choosing a dental office. You can be confident knowing that when you choose Portage Northern Dental, you are making the best decision for your family. From dental cleanings and x-rays to cosmetic dental procedures and routine exams, we offer all our treatments in a single office so that you can be on your way. For more information on tooth sensitivity treatment, visit our website or contact us.