Sensitive teeth causes and treatment

One in three adults suffer from sensitive teeth. When sensitivity affects your teeth, eating experiences that are normally pleasurable can be very painful. Food and drinks that are usually enjoyable – such as hot coffee, steaming home made soup, ice-cold lemonade, or fresh strawberry ice-cream can stimulate a sharp, sudden pain that shoots deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.

If you’ve experienced sensitivity, you know its sensation all too well. What you may not know is that this condition can be prevented or eliminated.

By learning about sensitivity, you can make an informed decision about preventive hygiene and appropriate treatments, as well as, bring yourself one step closer to enjoying hot or cold foods and drinks – free of worry.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Caries/Abscess

Bacteria begins to destroy the enamel of the tooth making its way to the next layer in, which is dentine. The dentine is directly connected to the pulp of the tooth via little tubules. Once exposed, these fluid-filled tubules conduct hot/cold/sweet sensations to the nerve of the tooth, consequently making the tooth sensitive (see Tooth Decay page).

As the bacteria penetrates further into the tooth it starts to infect and destroy the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. The dying nerve may start becoming very sensitive as the nerves are now completely exposed.

This infection will then continue if not treated, through the tip of the root into the bone causing an abscess. The tooth has now probably progressed from being sensitive to a constant ache.

Tartar

Tartar is a hardened substance that adheres to the surface of the tooth. It is made up of several components being bacteria (plaque), saliva and food. The bacterial component destroys the gingiva (gum) causing gingivitis and progresses to destroying the bone holding the tooth causing periodontitis. This exposes the root of the tooth (recession), which is very close to the nerve causing sensitivity.

Toothbrush abrasion

People who use a very hard toothbrush or an incorrect brushing technique can destroy the gingiva (gum) around the tooth causing it to recede and expose the root of the tooth. Continuing with your brushing habit can wear away the root surface making the tooth very sensitive.

Abfraction

People who grind or clench their teeth (see TMD section) cause the tooth to flex along the gum line. This can cause the gum to recede and start to destroy tooth structure at this point. Combine this with a poor brushing habit, the surface of the root is worn away making the tooth very sensitive.

Grinding/Clenching 

This habit wears away tooth structure. Also, the constant severe forces placed on the teeth causes the nerve to be over stimulated and consequently very sensitive.

Due to the many causes of sensitivity, we suggest you visit your FirstBite dentist to determine the exact nature of sensitivity and the best treatment.