Also known as Dentin Hypersensitivity or root sensitivity, it is a common dental problem where a tooth or a set of teeth experience sudden and severe pain with a weakening sensation when subjected to hot, cold or acidic substances. This pain is often temporary and lasts for a few seconds or a minute at most.
What are the causes of tooth sensitivity?
The most common reason for feeling sensitivity in teeth is receding of the gums. The cementum layer covers the root of a tooth while the enamel layer protects the dentin layer. When the gum line recedes and exposes these protective layers, they get reduced or removed due to several reasons. The dentin is connected to the pulp which contains the sensory nerves. Hence, when one eats hot, cold or acidic substances, they come in contact with the exposed nerves which trigger pain.
However, there are several other reasons which cause tooth sensitivity, such as:
- Brushing too vigorously for a longer time
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Gingivitis which makes the gums weak and inflamed
- Excessive plaque build-up
- A cracked tooth.
- Compulsive clenching or grinding of teeth
- Excessive or regular use of mouthwashes with acidic contents
- Decayed teeth.
- Consuming more acidic foods in a regular diet
- Teeth whitening treatments which utilize acidic chemicals
- Faulty fillings/restorations.
- Using desensitizing toothpaste that is fluoridated.
- Using a good soft-bristled brush for brushing
- Reducing the consumption of acidic foods from your diet
- Using a mouth guard if teeth grinding is one of the causes
- Using fluoridated mouthwashes if necessary but not regularly
- Fixing damaged teeth with implants like crowns or inlays to prevent the roots
- Using fluoride gel or varnish as treatment
- Surgical gum grafting technique
- In case of severe sensitivity, a root canal treatment