Four Possible Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity
If the idea of sipping a cold glass of water leaves you wincing in pain, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. There are many possible causes of this unpleasant condition. Here are four possible causes of tooth sensitivity.
Cavities
When a cavity first develops, you may not feel any symptoms, but when it gets bigger, you'll start to notice symptoms like tooth sensitivity. These symptoms begin when the decay eats through the outer layer of your tooth—the enamel—and into the sensitive tissues underneath.
When you eat or drink something sweet, like a piece of candy or a can of soda, you may feel a sharp pain in the affected tooth. You may also feel sensitivity when your tooth is exposed to air. Pressure, like chewing or using your tooth brush, can also trigger the sensitivity symptoms.
Fortunately, it's easy for dentists to fix cavities. Once your cavity has been filled, you'll be able to go back to enjoying your favorite foods and drinks without discomfort.
Clenching and Grinding
If you clench and grind your teeth, you may suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, including toothaches, headaches, pain around your jaw joint and even tooth sensitivity. This tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that covers your teeth is worn down by the forces of your clenching and grinding.
When the enamel is worn away, the sensitive tissue underneath, called the dentin, is exposed to the elements. This means that you'll feel discomfort when you eat, drink or even clean your teeth.
If your teeth have been worn down by clenching and grinding, your dentist can restore them with crowns. Crowns are caps that fit on top of your own teeth, and they replace your missing enamel.
Tooth Erosion
Clenching and grinding aren't the only things that can destroy your enamel and leave you with uncomfortably sensitive teeth. The acids in your favorite drinks can also erode your enamel and leave you in pain.
Popular drinks like fruit juice (especially orange and apple), wine, beer and soda have low pH levels, which means that they're very dangerous for your teeth. The frequency in which you consume these beverages is the main risk factor, so sipping on sodas or other acidic beverages throughout the day should be avoided.
If your teeth have been eroded by acids, your dentist can restore them in a number of ways. Restorations like crowns can be placed when the entire tooth has been affected, while veneers can be used if only the front surfaces of the teeth have been eroded. Your dentist will discuss the best restoration option with you.
Gum Recession
Your gum tissue covers the roots of your teeth, and when the gums recede—pull back—the sensitive roots are exposed. If your gums recede, you may feel sensitivity around the bases of your teeth when you eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Many things can lead to gum recession, including the simple act of brushing your teeth too aggressively. If you use too much pressure when you brush, you could damage your gums and end up with gum recession. Gum disease and hormonal changes can also lead to gum recession and sensitive teeth.
If your gums have receded, your dentist can repair the damage with gum grafts. This surgical procedure involves taking gum tissue from other parts of your mouth and grafting them onto the worn areas. Tissue can also be taken from the root of your mouth, if necessary.
If your teeth are very sensitive, see your dentist to find out what's causing the problem. Once the problem has been identified, your dentist can treat it and resolve your sensitivity. For more information, look at this website.
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