What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity — or dentin hypersensitivity — is the experience of pain or discomfort when the inner layer of dentin becomes exposed. When different stimuli reach the dentin, including hot or cold temperatures, sour and sweet food, or even cold air, they can cause a sharp pain in sensitive teeth.
Sensitivity may be expected in some situations. For example, it is common to experience sensitivity after filling a gap in your teeth, or after undergoing teeth whitening. Sensitivity does not necessarily mean your teeth are unhealthy. However, if you experience discomfort that affects eating, drinking, talking or other daily activities, it indicates that something is wrong.
What are the causes of sensitive teeth?
‘Why do my teeth feel sensitive?’ is a question that most of us will likely ask at some point. While there are a lot of ways to fix the pain once it occurs, the best treatment is always prevention. It is vital to know what causes sensitive teeth.
Overall, sensitivity occurs when enamel is broken down and tubules within the dentin are exposed, allowing sensations to reach nerves. Specific factors that contribute to enamel decay include:
- Poor Cleaning Habits. When you don’t regularly clean on and between your teeth, build-ups of plaque and tartar erode the enamel. This makes your teeth susceptible to pain.
- Overbrushing. Using a hard-bristled brush or brushing with too much vigour will wear down your enamel over time. We recommend using soft-bristled brushes and brushing gently using short strokes to preserve dental health.
- Acidic Food and Drinks. Exposing your teeth regularly to acidic substances, like citrus fruits, tea and soft drinks, breaks down enamel and exposes the underlying dentin.
- Bruxism or Cracked Teeth. Teeth grinding often wears down your enamel, creating cracks or chips that allow stimuli to reach your tooth nerves. As their inner areas fill with bacteria, teeth become inflamed, causing significant pain and discomfort.
- Gum Disease. When gums become inflamed, they often recede and expose the root surfaces of your teeth. This allows access directly to the tooth nerves for stimuli.
Sensitive teeth symptoms
The most obvious symptoms are the pain and discomfort that occur in response to different stimuli, but most often hot or cold food and drinks. You may also experience pain when your teeth are exposed to cold air. In addition to temperature-related sensitivity, it is common to feel pain while brushing or using mouthwash.
How to relieve tooth sensitivity
Knowing how to reduce tooth sensitivity starts at the dentist. The first thing you should do is pay a visit to the dentist and talk them through what you’re feeling. Include what types of things tend to trigger your sensitivity, and how you can fix it. To start, consider your regular cleaning routine — we recommend using a toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth and an alcohol-free mouthwash. Using these will be less irritating for your teeth.
Your dentist may also apply fluoride gel or desensitising agents directly onto your teeth to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. However, more extensive treatment may be required, including gum grafts or a crown to fix chips or cracks. If sensitivity is severe, you may a root canal procedure to cleanse the root of the tooth. Your dentist will be able to observe the state of your teeth and suggest the best possible course.
There are many other natural remedies for sensitive teeth that you can find on the internet. However, we recommend always consulting with a dentist if you plan on using any of these, as they can help you identify what is safe to do. The only way to cure tooth sensitivity is to maintain a high level of dental and oral health, and go through a regular cleaning process.
Here to help
If you need help with sensitive teeth, our team is ready to look after you. We understand that sensitivity can be a frustrating and painful experience, and our goal is always to help you feel as happy and comfortable with your teeth as possible. Book an appointment with our specialist team today and we’ll have you feeling confident in your teeth in no time.
Keep your teeth healthy at Oakleigh Dental, where our mission is always helping you smile.
