This article should be read if you’re experiencing tooth pain and discomfort and aren’t sure what’s wrong. Tooth pain is not the same as dentin hypersensitivity, which is what dentists refer to as a sensitive tooth. A toothache can range from a minor cavity to a serious issue that necessitates immediate attention.
However, tooth sensitivity is very easy to detect, and there are a number of excellent solutions available that can provide you with relief and comfort right away.
If your sensitivity is caused by a tooth, the next step is to figure out whether your tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets, as each type of sensitivity can mean something different.
- Hot?
- Cold?
- Sweets?
- Intermittent Dull Ache?
- Do you have a sharp or throbbing pain?
Main causes can include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Teeth grinding
- Worn-down enamel
- Damaged or cracked teeth
- Plaque build-up
What is tooth sensitivity?
The wearing down of the protective layers of your teeth causes tooth sensitivity. The crowns, or the part of the teeth above the gumline, are protected by a layer of protective enamel, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Cementum is a material that protects the roots below the gumline. Dentin, which is less dense than the protective coverings, lies beneath the enamel and cementum. Dentin tubules are microscopic canals found in the dentin. The dentin is exposed when the enamel or cementum wears away or becomes damaged. When your gums recede and expose the dentin, the tubules allow fluid to flow through them and are affected by heat and cold, causing sensitivity and pain in the nerves of the tooth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
A layer of enamel protects the softer dentine beneath the visible portion of the tooth. A tooth can become sensitive if the dentine is exposed. The enamel layer is much thinner where the tooth and the gum meet, so this is common.
- Too hard brushing (‘toothbrush abrasion’) and brushing from side to side can wear away enamel, especially where the teeth meet the gums.
- The newly exposed dentine may become sensitive as a result.
- Dental erosion is the loss of tooth enamel as a result of acid attacks from acidic foods and beverages.
- When the enamel wears away, the dentine beneath it is exposed, which can cause sensitivity.
- Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), exposing the teeth’s roots, which can be more sensitive.
- The enamel layer that protects root surfaces is missing.
- Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), exposing the roots of the teeth, making them more sensitive.
- The enamel layer that protects root surfaces is missing.
- Gum disease occurs when plaque or tartar builds up on the teeth, causing the gums to recede and even destroy the tooth’s bony support.
- Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making it difficult to keep the area clean and exacerbating the problem.
- Tooth grinding is a habit in which the teeth are clenched and ground together.
- This can wear away the enamel on the teeth, causing them to become sensitive.
- A cracked tooth, also known as a filling, is one that has become broken.
- Tooth bleaching can cause sensitivity in some patients for a short period of time during or after the procedure.
- Before undergoing treatment, discuss this with your dental team.
Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
It is necessary to determine the cause of tooth sensitivity in order to provide the best treatment and relieve your pain.
- Treatments with fluoride, such as fluoride paste, gel, or rinse
- Dietary modifications
- To cover exposed roots, fillings are used.
- Mouthguards for teeth grinding or resin sealants to cover exposed dentin NTI
- Brushing habits that are better
- Dentist-recommended desensitizing pastes
- Root canals are a type of root canal that is used