Sensitive Teeth: Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive Teeth: Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Have you ever taken a sip of cold water or eaten ice cream and suddenly felt a sharp pain in your teeth? Tooth sensitivity is very common, but sensitive teeth should not always be ignored. Finding the cause is the first step toward the right treatment.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is exposed dentin. Dentin is the layer underneath the protective enamel and contains microscopic channels that can transmit cold, heat, sweets, or pressure toward the nerve of the tooth.

Dentin may become exposed because of gum recession, enamel wear, aggressive brushing, acidic foods and drinks, or teeth grinding.

However, a tooth that is sensitive to cold can also be caused by other dental problems, including:

• Gum recession – Exposed tooth roots can become sensitive to cold, brushing, and sweets.

• Enamel erosion – Soda, energy drinks, citrus, acid reflux, and other acidic exposures can gradually wear away tooth structure.

• Cavities – Tooth decay reaching the dentin can cause sensitivity to cold or sweets.

• Cracked teeth – A cracked tooth may cause cold sensitivity or sharp pain when biting or releasing your bite.

• Pulpitis – Inflammation of the dental pulp may cause lingering sensitivity, throbbing pain, spontaneous pain, or nighttime toothache.

• Dental treatment – Temporary sensitivity can occur after fillings, crowns, deep cleanings, or other dental procedures.

• Teeth whitening – Whitening products can temporarily increase sensitivity.

• Grinding and clenching – Repeated heavy forces can contribute to tooth wear, small cracks, and sensitivity.

• Dry mouth or acid reflux – Reduced saliva or repeated acid exposure can increase the risk of erosion, decay, and sensitive teeth.

How Are Sensitive Teeth Treated?

Treatment depends on why your teeth are sensitive. Mild dentin sensitivity may improve with desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatment, dietary changes, and improved brushing technique. Other cases may require dental bonding, a filling, periodontal treatment, a crown, root canal treatment, or other dental care depending on the diagnosis.

If one tooth repeatedly hurts, pain lingers after drinking something cold or hot, you have pain when biting, or the discomfort is getting worse, schedule a dental examination.

Sensitive teeth are a symptom, not a diagnosis. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is the best way to protect your teeth and prevent the problem from becoming more serious.