Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Most people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity over their lifetime. Even a study by The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) found that 1 in 8 people have tooth sensitivity. So, if you’re feeling pain or discomfort from hot or cold stimuli, you’re not alone.
Sometimes the discomfort may be temporary or a chronic problem. It can also affect one tooth or several teeth. In any case, experiencing tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable and can affect your quality of life.
Below, we’ll explain what could be causing your tooth sensitivity, ways you can relieve the symptoms and when you should book an appointment with Brand Dental.
Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity, sometimes referred to as dentin hypersensitivity, can have several different symptoms caused by specific triggers. However, the most common causes include:
- Acidic/sweet foods and beverages
- Hot/cold foods and beverages
- Cold air
- Cold water, noticed during dental appointments
- Brushing or flossing
- Alcohol-based mouth rinses
Dentin hypersensitivity can come and go over time for no apparent reason and might range from mild to intense symptoms.
What Causes Tooth Hypersensitivity?
According to a scientific study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) , hypersensitivity is most common in young adults and women; however, some people naturally have more sensitive teeth than others, usually caused by thinner enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and acts as a shield and barrier to the elements.
Tooth enamel can be worn down for several reasons, including:
- Using a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Clenching and grinding your teeth
- Regularly eating and drinking acidic food and drinks
- Medical conditions (GERD, Gastroparesis, and Bulimia)
Tooth sensitivity may also be caused by gingival recession, which causes sections of teeth to be exposed and unprotected.
A cracked tooth, a tooth with decay, or a worn-down tooth can leave the second tooth layer (dentin) exposed, which can cause sensitivity. In which case, you’ll probably only feel sensitivity in one specific tooth or area in the mouth instead of your entire mouth.
You also may experience brief sensitivity following a dental procedure like dental fillings, crowns, or teeth whitening. In this case, the sensitivity may be localized to one tooth or the teeth surrounding the recently restored tooth. This should, however, decrease after several days.
How is Tooth Sensitivity Diagnosed?
If this is your first time experiencing tooth sensitivity, we’d advise scheduling an appointment with Brand Dental at our Kingston, PA office. That way, your dentist can look at the condition of your teeth and gums and check for potential dental problems like cavities, loose fillings, or recessed gums, which can all cause hypersensitivity.
Your dentist can also check your teeth during your biannual dental cleanings. Your teeth will be cleaned during your appointment, a hygienist will go over at-home brushing and flossing tips, and your dentist can do an exam. The exam might include touching your teeth with a dental instrument called an explorer, which helps check for sensitivity and weak enamel. A digital x-ray might also be required to rule out causes like cavities.
How To Treat Tooth Sensitivity
If you’re experiencing mild sensitivity, over-the-counter dental products may be able to help. Below are three things you can do at home that may relieve your symptoms:
- Change Your Tooth Paste
Try using toothpaste that is labeled for teeth sensitivity. Sensitivity toothpaste won’t contain irritating ingredients and could include desensitizing agents that will help block discomfort from reaching the tooth’s nerve.
2. Use a Different Mouthwash
Try to avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol because it can cause irritation to sensitive teeth, so instead, pick a mouth rinse specifically for sensitive teeth or an alcohol-free option.
- Avoid a Hard-Bristle Toothbrush
Make sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors to alert you if you’re brushing too hard. Toothbrush abrasion can cause gum recession, leading to tooth sensitivity, so make sure to gently brush your teeth, especially along your gum line.
To see improvements, it typically takes several applications for these at-home remedies to be effective. But, usually, within a week, you should experience some noticeable changes in your symptoms.
What If You Don’t Notice a Difference?
If at-home treatments don’t seem to work, you’ll want to schedule an appointment so your dentist can pinpoint the cause of your sensitivity. It may simply require a prescription-strength toothpaste and mouthwash or a dental restoration.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity Caused by a Medical Condition
If your dentin hypersensitivity is caused by underlying conditions, you’ll want to treat those before it causes tooth enamel to wear down and damage your teeth.
For medical conditions like GERD, gastroparesis, and bulimia, your dentist will recommend that you follow up with your medical doctor to determine the best medications or care you need.
To reduce gum recession, simply being gentler and maintaining good hygiene habits will help. However, in cases of severe gum recession that’s causing intense discomfort and sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a gum graft.
If you clench and grind your teeth, a custom night-guard would be recommended to prevent damaging your teeth and to relieve dental sensitivity.
If the tooth sensitivity you’re experiencing has any of the following characteristics, you should call to schedule an appointment with your dentist, so we can diagnose your tooth sensitivity and determine the best way to treat your symptoms:
- Localized to one tooth
- Produces a sharp pain
- Spontaneous and happens without an apparent cause
- Caused by staining on the surface of your teeth
- Causing pain when chewing or biting down.
Don’t Let Tooth Sensitivity Affect Your Smile
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, Brand Dental is here to help! Call our Kingston, PA office today or schedule an appointment below. Even if you’re experiencing mild symptoms, it can develop into a bigger problem if not treated. We can offer various solutions for all of these issues and work with you to find the best treatment!
