Tooth sensitivity is a very annoying problem that many people encounter in their daily lives. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your teeth when you sip a cold drink, consume something hot, or eat sweet and sour foods, you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is sometimes not limited to just food and drinks; it can even show itself when brushing your teeth or even taking in air.
The most common symptom of tooth sensitivity is sudden and intense pain, but this can be caused by the erosion of tooth enamel or receding gums. It can also be caused by cavities, tartar, or incorrectly placed fillings. Tooth sensitivity can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. Worrying about what foods you can eat, avoiding hot and cold drinks, experiencing pain when brushing your teeth… All of these can make daily life difficult for someone with sensitive teeth.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is actually a very common problem, usually caused by the erosion of tooth enamel or receding gums. Enamel, the hard and protective layer on the outside of the tooth, protects the inside of the tooth and keeps the dentin layer, where the nerve endings of the tooth are located, covered.
However, when the enamel layer becomes thin due to various reasons, such as excessive brushing, frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, gum disease or tooth decay, the dentin becomes exposed. When the dentin is exposed, the nerve endings in the inside of the tooth become more sensitive to external factors.
This can cause pain and aching when hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods are consumed, or even when brushing your teeth. For example, when you drink a glass of cold water or sip hot tea, you may suddenly feel a sharp pain in your teeth. This is a pain caused by direct stimulation of the dental nerves.
Similarly, acidic drinks or sweets can affect your teeth and cause similar sensitivity. Although tooth sensitivity often seems like a short-term discomfort, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life when it becomes persistent.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that can be caused by multiple factors and can negatively affect people’s daily lives. Many factors, from tooth enamel erosion to gum recession, can trigger tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel erosion is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity. The function of tooth enamel is to protect the inside of the tooth. However, the enamel layer can weaken due to various external factors. When the enamel erodes, the dentin layer underneath the tooth is exposed, and since this layer contains the tooth’s nerve endings, it can cause sensitivity and pain when it comes into contact with hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods.
- Receding Gums
Receding gums expose the roots of the teeth, which can cause tooth sensitivity. Receding gums cause the dentin layer on the inside of the tooth to become visible, stimulating nerve endings. The main causes of receding gums are:
- Periodontal Diseases: Gum inflammation (gingivitis) or more advanced gum diseases (periodontitis) can cause receding gums. These diseases damage the tissue around the teeth, causing receding gums.
- Incorrect Brushing Habits: Hard brushing or incorrect brushing techniques can irritate the gums and cause the gums to recede over time. Receding gums expose the root of the tooth, causing sensitivity.
- Aging: As we age, the gums can naturally recede. This process can be more pronounced, especially in older people. Receding gums with age can cause teeth to become more sensitive.
- Tooth Decay and Cracks
Tooth decay can damage the structure of the tooth and cause sensitivity. Decay causes the hard outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, to weaken, which exposes the dentin layer. Tooth cracks also damage the structure of the tooth, and sensitivity can increase when hot or cold foods come into contact with these cracks. If you feel pain in your tooth, especially when hot or cold foods are present, the possibility of decay or cracks should be considered. Decay can sometimes be painless, but sensitivity occurs when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised.
- Teeth Whitening and Chemicals
Some chemicals used during teeth whitening procedures can damage the structure of the tooth and cause sensitivity. Whitening products usually contain peroxide-based chemicals, which can temporarily weaken tooth enamel. After the whitening procedure, teeth may be more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and acidic foods.
What is Good for Tooth Sensitivity
There are several effective measures you can take to reduce and prevent tooth sensitivity. First of all, it may be beneficial to use desensitizing toothpastes. These types of toothpastes help reduce pain by covering the nerves on the tooth surface and provide a significant decrease in sensitivity with regular use. It is also important to avoid brushing your teeth too hard; using a medium-hard or soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, circular motions protects your teeth.
Acidic and sugary foods can damage tooth enamel and increase sensitivity, so it is beneficial to limit your consumption of these types of foods. If you have a teeth-grinding habit, using a night guard can prevent enamel erosion, and stress management techniques can help reduce this habit.
Protecting your gum health is also very important; regular flossing and proper brushing techniques prevent gum disease, while regular dentist check-ups help diagnose gum disease early. If sensitivity is very advanced, you should see a dentist.
Your dentist can strengthen your tooth enamel with fluoride applications, recommend fillings or crowns for sensitivity caused by decay or cracks, and apply professional treatment methods such as gum grafting for gum recession.
