Blog

Sensitive teeth hurt when you eat, drink, and speak, which can affect your quality of life. There are many possible causes of tooth sensitivity, including tooth decay, gum disease, worn fillings, worn tooth enamel, cracked teeth, or exposed tooth root.

Brushing your teeth too hard, using tooth-whitening products, or consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks can contribute to tooth sensitivity. 

Below are a few possible causes of sensitive, painful teeth. 

Tooth Decay Causes Sensitive Teeth

Tooth decay, or cavities, is a common cause of tooth sensitivity. Decay occurs when the bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the enamel and dentin of the teeth. 

As the decay progresses, it can lead to a hole or cavity in the tooth. This causes pain, sensitivity, and discomfort. 

Symptoms of tooth decay may include:

• Toothache,
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and
• Visible holes or dark spots on the teeth.

The most effective way to avoid tooth decay is maintaining good oral hygiene.

Does Worn Tooth Enamel Cause Sensitive Teeth?

Worn tooth enamel is a condition in which the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth is worn away. This can occur due to various factors, including tooth grinding, acid erosion, and poor oral hygiene.

Symptoms of worn tooth enamel may include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures,
• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing,
• Visible wear or discolouration on the tooth surface, and
• Chips on the teeth.

If you have any of these symptoms, early treatment can help prevent further damage to the teeth.

Cracked Teeth Cause Sensitivity

A cracked tooth is a condition in which a tooth has a visible crack or fracture on its surface. Cracks can occur in the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) and the dentin (the softer layer beneath the enamel).

Several types of cracks can occur in teeth:

• Craze lines: small, superficial cracks that do not penetrate the enamel.
• Fractured cusp: a crack that affects the biting surface of a tooth.
• Split tooth: a crack that extends from the biting surface to the tooth’s root.
• Vertical root fracture: a crack that starts at the tooth’s root and extends upward.

Symptoms accompanying sensitivity include the following:

• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing.
• Pain or discomfort when the tooth is not in use.
• Visible crack or fracture on the tooth surface.
• Difficulty in biting or chewing.
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth.

You must visit your dentist if you suspect you have a cracked tooth. If left untreated, patients  risk of further damage to the tooth, infection and even tooth loss. 

Treatment will depend on the type, location and severity of the crack. It may include a filling, a crown, a root canal or an extraction.

Exposed Tooth Roots

Exposed tooth roots occur when the gums recede, revealing the tooth’s root. This can happen due to several factors, including gum disease, aggressive tooth brushing, or tooth grinding. The roots of the teeth are not covered by enamel like the crown of the tooth. They are, therefore, more sensitive to temperature changes and external irritants.

Symptoms of exposed tooth roots may include the following:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
• Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing.
• Visible root surface.
• Tender or swollen gums.

Treatment for exposed tooth roots will depend on the underlying cause and the extent of the recession. 

Options may include:

• Gum grafting to cover the exposed root.
• Desensitising toothpaste or fluoride gel to reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal therapy if the root is damaged or infected.
• Crown or bridge to protect the tooth.

Best Remedies For Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but several remedies may help reduce or alleviate symptoms.

• Desensitising toothpaste: These kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate that can help block the pain sensation from the tooth’s nerve.
• Fluoride treatment: Fluoride can help to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay, which can lead to sensitivity. Your dentist can apply fluoride directly to your teeth or provide you with a fluoride gel or rinse at home.
• Soft-bristled toothbrush: Using a toothbrush with soft bristles can help to protect your tooth enamel and reduce the risk of further damage.
• Good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria, leading to tooth sensitivity.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and beverages can erode tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive.
• Avoid tooth grinding: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excessive pressure on them and cause them to become more sensitive.
• Root canal treatment: If the cause of your tooth sensitivity is related to a deep cavity or injury that has reached the pulp, a root canal treatment may be required.
• Dental crowns or bonding can cover the exposed tooth surface, protecting it from further damage.

It is essential to consult your dentist to determine the cause of your sensitive teeth and recommend the best treatment plan.

If your tooth sensitivity is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or swelling, see a dentist as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis.

In the meantime, you can use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth, avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.