Tooth sensitivity accounts for excruciating oral pain that restricts you from enjoying certain foods. The toothache characterizes discomfort and sudden sharp shooting sensations. There are many causes for tooth sensitivity, but it essentially occurs as a result of losing or compromising on the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. The enamel is a protective layer that ensures the dentin (which covers the root and nerve endings) remains protected. When gums recede or the enamel erodes, the dentin becomes exposed and acts like a trigger point that stimulates pain by responding to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Since dentin is attached to the nerves, it can directly trigger pain. It contains a vast number of microscopic tubules that channel into the tooth’s pulp. When the enamel is too weak to block sensitivity causing substances from entering inside the tooth, the tubules come directly into contact with them and stimulate painful sensations.
Learning About What Causes Tooth Sensitivity
Cavities, gum recession, crooked teeth, or broken teeth are all conditions that cause tooth sensitivity. Moreover, cosmetic procedures and poor habits also account for sensitive teeth, including the following:
Teeth Whitening Procedures
Tooth whitening usually carries a side effect of tooth sensitivity as it involves the use of bleach on the surface of the teeth. The solution can harm the enamel and expose the microtubules present in the inner part of the teeth.
Tooth Decay
When the cavity engulfs the tooth, it gradually eats away at the structure from inside and outside. This causes the tooth to lose its protective layer. Tooth decay also directly exposes the nerves to bacteria that trigger pain frequently.
Brushing Harshly
Although the enamel is the hardest tissue of the body, it can easily be diminished due to excess and harsh brushing. Your brushing style can damage your teeth and gums, which can result in severe tooth sensitivity.
Acidic Erosion
Acidic erosion is a slow, episodic process that causes the enamel to erode solely due to consuming acidic foods. Acidic foods wear down the tooth enamel, making it weak and porous. This can eventually cause tooth decay and sensitivity.
Gum Recession
Gums are soft delicate tissues that can pull away from the teeth when constantly exposed to bacteria. Moreover, even a reckless brushing style can cause the gum to recede. When gums shrink or get torn, the exposed areas of the teeth come directly into contact with food substances resulting in sharp and sudden pain.
Sensitive Teeth Treatments
While tooth sensitivity is experienced by millions of Americans who may not even know what causes tooth sensitivity, it is not something that cannot be treated. There are many treatment options available to patients that can help them restore the health of their teeth without incurring side effects.
Dental care is not just about delivering relief but also about providing proactive guidance. The majority of tooth sensitivity cases are attributed to gum line recession, which means if you can start keeping good oral hygiene, you can avoid developing sensitivity in your teeth and also preserve your gum line.
Dental professionals at North View Dental offer proper assessment and treatments for relieving you of any oral pain, especially if your nerves are overactivated due to sensitive teeth. You can book your consultation with North View Dental via their Contact Page and seek restorative treatments that can prevent your teeth and gums from getting worse.
