A sharp, short, painful sensation in your teeth when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. Tooth sensitivity is an exaggerated response to triggers such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods.
Triggers of Tooth Sensitivity
The most common triggers include:
- Hot foods and beverages
- Cold foods and beverages
- Cold air
- Sweet foods and beverages
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Brushing or flossing teeth
- Alcohol-based mouth rinses
Symptoms Of Sensitive Teeth
Pain or discomfort in the mouth when exposed to certain triggers (hot or cold or sweet foods and drinks etc.).
The pain is felt at the roots of the affected teeth.
Symptoms may come and go and may range from mild to intense.
What Causes Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?
Brushing too hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush over time can wear down enamel (the outer layer of the teeth) and cause tooth sensitivity.
Gum recession: People with thin gum tissue are prone to tooth sensitivity. The condition can be genetic or may be a result of periodontal disease.
Gum disease: Sore gum tissue and inflammation may cause sensitivity
Cracked teeth: Broken teeth will be filled with bacteria and enter the pulp, causing sensitivity
Teeth grinding: Grinding teeth wear down the enamel and cause sensitivity.
Teeth whitening products: Contribute majorly to teeth sensitivity.
Age: Highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
Plaque buildup: Plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
Mouthwash use: Some over-the-counter mouthwash contains acids that can worsen teeth sensitivity
Acidic foods: Regularly consuming high acid content (tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles, etc.) can cause enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity.
Recent dental procedures: Teeth fillings, teeth cleanings, and dental restoration placement can cause sensitivity which is often temporary
Treatment For sensitive teeth
- Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Fluoride gel
- Sealants
- Fillings that cover exposed roots
- Desensitizing pastes (not used with a toothbrush)
- Mouthguard (protection from teeth grinding)
- Root canal
Dental Procedures To Reduce Sensitivity
- Dental bonding
- Dentin sealers
- Fluoride varnishes
Frequently Asked Questions On Tooth Sensitivity
Does a sensitive tooth mean infection?
Only sometimes! Sometimes, teeth sensitivity can be due to tooth erosion (wear and tear) or gum recession. But it can also be due to cracked or infected teeth.
Can sensitive tooth pain go away?
Yes. In some cases, teeth sensitivity goes away on its own. Talk to your dentist, if your teeth sensitivity lingers and doesn’t go away.
