12 Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

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A large number of people suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. There are a number of reasons why tooth sensitivity takes place.

Usually, the underlying dentin of the tooth, which is the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve, is sheltered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over a period of time, the enamel covering can get thinner, which means that it provides less protection. The gums can also recede over time, and results in exposing the underlying root surface dentin. When the dentin is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to the varying temperatures of the food items that are consumed.

Let us look at some of the common causes for tooth sensitivity.

Gum Recession

A main reason for tooth sensitivity is gum recession. Gum recession can take place because of a number of reasons, some of which can be old age or improper brushing of teeth.

Acidic Beverages

If you drink a lot of acidic beverages like soda, you will be susceptible to tooth sensitivity. This is because these acidic beverages cause the erosion of enamel and dentin exposure.

Tooth Grinding

If you grind your teeth regularly, you might damage your teeth by making all or most of your teeth to become sensitive.

Abrasive Toothpaste

If you use abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth, it might cause your teeth to become sensitive.

Brushing Teeth

The way you brush your teeth is very important. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or brush your teeth more than three times a day, it might result in losing the enamel that protects your teeth. This causes teeth sensitivity.

Gum Disease

Your teeth will become sensitive if you are suffering from a gum disease. This is because gum disease causes gum recession which results in teeth sensitivity.

Chipped Tooth

If your teeth is chipped or fractured in any way, this might cause teeth sensitivity. This is because a chipped or fractured tooth will expose the dentin, making your teeth vulnerable to the varying temperatures.

Teeth Whitening

Take heed before your next visit to the dentist, because teeth whitening have been known to cause teeth sensitivity during or after the procedure. Another reason is that a large number of manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others.

Mouthwash

A large number of these over the counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive.

Excessive Plaque

The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. If there is an excessive build up of plaque, this can cause your enamel to wear away. Therefore, your teeth will become more sensitive as they lose their enamel protection.

Decayed Fillings

As more and more time passes, dental fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. It's easy for bacteria to accumulate in these small crevices. This causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown, which results in teeth sensitivity.

Dental Procedure

Teeth often become more sensitive after you've been to the dentist for some dental procedure. It is very common to have some sensitivity after a root canal, an extraction, or the placement of a crown. But if the sensitivity lasts, it may be due to some infection.