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Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

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Ravneet Dhillon
Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

What is Teeth Sensitivity?


Teeth sensitivity generally happens when the underlying layer of the teeth known as dentin becomes exposed due to either wear and tear or gum recession where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots.


Not covered by hard enamel, tooth roots contain thousands of tiny tubules that lead to the tooth’s center known as the pulp.

The stimuli like hot, cold, or sweet food reach the nerve in the tooth, through these dentinal tubules resulting in the.


Sometimes other issues like cavities, gum disease, or a cracked tooth may also be indicated by tooth sensitivity.




What Are the Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?


Though some people may naturally have more sensitive teeth as compared to others due to thinner enamel, various factors can cause thinning of the enamel, causing sensitive teeth. These include:


  • Brushing your teeth too hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush over time can lead to the wearing down of the enamel, causing dentin exposure. Moreover, it can also cause gum recession i.e. gum tissue pulling away from your teeth.
  • Gum Recession: Thin gum tissue can be a genetic tendency for some people, whereas some develop gum recession because of periodontal disease. Gum recession causes your gum tissue to pull away from your teeth in the process exposing the roots.
  • Gum disease: Sensitivity can also be a result of inflamed and sore gum tissue and the loss of supporting ligaments, which also leads to the exposure of the root surface which leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
  • Cracked teeth: Bacteria from plaque can enter the pulp in chipped or broken teeth, causing inflammation.
  • Teeth grinding: Some people are prone to grinding or clenching teeth which eventually wears down the enamel, exposing underlying dentin.
  • Teeth whitening products: Major contributors to teeth sensitivity, non-professional teeth whitening can do more harm than good. If you wish for a brighter smile, always talk to a qualified dental specialist.
  • Age: People between the age of 25 and 30 are most prone to tooth sensitivity.
  • Plaque buildup: The plaque deposited on the root surfaces can also cause sensitivity.
  • Consuming Acidic foods: Tooth sensitivity can affect the people who regularly consume foods with a high acid content like citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, pickles, and tea, as these can cause enamel erosion.
  • Dental procedures: Teeth may feel sensitive after dental treatments like fillings, teeth cleanings, and dental restoration. However, sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and goes away in four to six weeks.


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Ravneet Dhillon
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