Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: August 24, 2022

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If you experience pain or discomfort while having cold or hot stuff like ice cream, coffee, tea, etc., it might be due to teeth sensitivity. When someone suffers from tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity, their teeth become vulnerable to hot or cold temperatures. People with sensitive teeth experience sudden pain when they indulge in hot or cold food, which disappears. Most studies also reveal that 10-30% of the population suffers from teeth sensitivity.

The pain that one experiences because of sensitivity can be temporary or chronic. The dentist will reveal your sensitive teeth cause after examining your oral health. Then he will suggest an excellent, sensitive teeth treatment once he gets to know the symptoms of your sensitive teeth. However, this piece will help you understand the various sensitive teeth causes, symptoms, and treatments. It would be best if you did not deprive yourself or feel guilty indulging in your favourite food because of sensitive teeth.

What is Teeth Sensitivity?

Certain activities like eating or drinking something hot or cold can cause sharp pain or sensation in your teeth if you suffer from teeth sensitivity. Dentin hypersensitivity can be seen in any age group, from children to adults. The leading cause of the sensitivity is tooth enamel erosion or exposure to the tooth’s roots. Sharp pain and discomfort are the initial signs of the impact a sensitive tooth can cause.

Furthermore, one should not think that tooth sensitivity will recede or go away on its own. It is advisable to visit your dentist when you experience sensitivity and examine your oral health because it can further lead to many more problems. Seeing a well-known, hygiene-friendly, patient-centric dental clinic will sort out your sensitive teeth issues forever. Let us now uncover sensitive teeth’ causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Sensitive Teeth Causes

The primary cause of sensitive teeth can be the lifestyle one follows and improper oral hygiene. And some people can experience sensitivity because of their thinner enamel. However, listed below are the sensitive teeth causes so that you can access yourself better.

One might experience tooth sensitivity when they use a hard toothbrush or put a lot of pressure on their teeth while brushing.
If you grind your teeth while you sleep, that might be one of the causes of dentin hypersensitivity.
It could also be because of consuming many acidic foods and beverages.
It might also be because of gastroesophageal reflux as the acid from the stomach can pass on in the mouth and cause the erosion of teeth enamel.
Sometimes improper oral hygiene, cracked tooth, broken tooth, and chipped tooth can be the reason for tooth sensitivity.
Receding gums leave the teeth exposed, which can also cause sensitivity.
Your sensitivity can be for a specific time because of dental procedures like fillings, crowns, etc. And the sensitivity in a particular area will subside in a few days.

Sensitive Teeth Symptoms

When the teeth contact different temperatures, like cold and hot, they can trigger sharp pain or discomfort. There might also be other health conditions or disorders that can lead to sensitivity which involves other body parts. Some of the sensitive teeth symptoms are bad breath, receding gums, redness, and swelling of the gums.

The other symptoms that one can notice are related to other body parts. One can experience heartburn, indigestion, jaw pain, sinus pain, finding difficulty opening the mouth, and many more. There is also the possibility of other severe symptoms indicating the underlying serious health conditions. Therefore, it is always better to consult the dentist when the severity of the sensitivity is less and take precautions on time. Visiting a dentist timely can help you protect yourself from severe health conditions in the future.

Sensitive Teeth Treatment

If the sensitivity is not severe, you can start focusing on your oral hygiene. You can brush mildly and begin using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Opt for the alcohol-free mouthwash. Even after making these changes and following regular oral hygiene, if your sensitivity persists, then it is time to visit your dentist. Your dentist will check for problems like loose fillings, cavities, and receding gums that might be the potential problem of sensitivity.

After examining your problem, the dentist will recommend a suitable treatment. The dentist will suggest a gum graft if you have the most common problem, like gum recession. This procedure involves the protection of the root of the tooth. He will also advise you to use a mouthguard if you have a teeth-grinding problem while you sleep.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity or any other person at your home, go ahead and fix an appointment with a dentist at a dental clinic near you from a well-known dental clinic. If you treat your sensitivity timely, it will save you from future complications and pain. However, compromising on the quality of the treatment will further complicate your problem; therefore, reach out to the dental clinic that uses the latest technologies and equipment, follows proper sterilization, and safety equipment like Clove Dental.