Why Teeth Become Sensitive – Uncovering The Top Causes

05 September 2024

Why Teeth Become Sensitive – Uncovering The Top Causes

Tooth sensitivity is probably more common than you think. According to the Oral Health Foundation, more than 1 in 3 adults suffer from the condition. This post not only explains why teeth become sensitive but also discusses how your dentist can help and ways to manage the problem yourself.

Firstly, what is tooth sensitivity?

If you’ve ever experienced a sudden sharp pain or discomfort when sipping a mug of coffee or biting into ice cream, you could have sensitive teeth. Usually, the pain only lasts for a minute or so before easing. However, some people experience a lingering throbbing sensation that could be a sign of a more serious dental problem.

Why teeth become sensitive

One of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity is exposed dentine, the soft, inner layer of a tooth.

Dentine isn’t a solid structure; it consists of microscopic tubules, similar to tiny straws, that create a direct route to your tooth’s nerve. These tubules are filled with fluid. When something hot or cold makes contact with the dentine, the fluid inside these tubules shifts, stimulating the nerve and causing pain.

There are many ways that the dentine can become exposed including:

Aggressive brushing

Brushing too vigorously or using the wrong technique can cause all sorts of problems including tooth sensitivity. Using a hard toothbrush, adopting a side-to-side motion, or applying too much pressure can gradually wear down tooth enamel, leaving the dentine exposed.

As a guideline, your average toothbrush should last around three to four months, but if you’re getting through yours far quicker, you’re probably brushing too hard or using the wrong technique which can contribute to tooth sensitivity.

Teeth grinding

Tooth grinding or Bruxism affects between 8-10% of the British population and because it’s often a nocturnal habit, it can go undetected. Grinding and clenching teeth can cause serious damage including causing nerve-exposing cracks, leading to tooth sensitivity.

Post teeth whitening

Teeth sensitivity is not uncommon after cosmetic teeth whitening and may occur when peroxide, the main bleaching ingredient, penetrates the enamel and irritates the nerves inside the teeth. It’s usually only a temporary effect that gradually subsides over a few days. If you already have sensitive teeth speak with the dentist first, to see if such a treatment is right for you.

Dental work

Some people experience tooth sensitivity following dental work such as:

• Tooth restorations
• Root planing
• Cleaning
• Crown placement

If the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, get in touch with your dentist.

Other conditions

Tooth sensitivity can also arise from other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD for short. The sudden reflux of stomach acid can cause tooth enamel to erode over time. Alternatively, frequent vomiting from issues like gastroparesis or bulimia can also cause similar damage to teeth.

Now we know why teeth become sensitive, let’s take a look at those all-important triggers.

Factors that trigger tooth sensitivity

• Temperature changes – Besides hot and cold food or drinks, breathing cold air through your mouth can irritate the nerves contained in exposed dentine, causing a sudden jolt of sharp pain.
• Overly sweet foods or acidic drinks – While you may enjoy tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles and even a glass of wine, your sensitive teeth won’t. The high acidic level in these foods can wear away at enamel making teeth feel more sensitive. Sugar contributes to acid. Bacteria in the mouth feast on sugar, and the more sugar you consume, the more acid they make. Some sugary drinks known to cause tooth enamel erosion and which should be avoided include sports drinks, fizzy drinks and fruit juice.
• Biting down – If your teeth feel sensitive when biting down, it could indicate the presence of an underlying dental condition such as a root canal infection, broken teeth, an abscess, tooth decay or enamel erosion.

Who is at risk of tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone. However, according to the Oral Health Foundation, tooth sensitivity is more common in those aged between 20 and 40 although teens can develop sensitive teeth and so can people over the age of 70.  Strangely, women are more prone than men.

Can I treat tooth sensitivity at home?

There are several things you can do to ease tooth sensitivity:

• Switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush and use it gently by applying less pressure when brushing.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and lower the risk of gum disease or cavities
• Try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth which works by blocking the holes in your enamel or dentine making it harder for drinks, food, and air to reach the nerves.
• Reduce your consumption of acidic and sweet foods and drinks
• Try to stop tooth grinding associated with stress with relaxing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or a warm bath before bedtime. If this doesn’t help, speak to your dentist about a custom mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth.

How can my dentist help?

Your dentist will want to find out the cause of tooth sensitivity before recommending a treatment or service. Treatment may involve applying fluoride gels, varnishes or rinses to the affected teeth. Regular applications can help build up a level of protection.

It may take a while for tooth sensitivity to settle so if tooth-sensitising products haven’t helped, your dentist may cover the exposed dentine by filling or sealing around the neck of a tooth where the tooth and gum meet.

In more severe cases where a tooth is cracked or broken, root canal therapy may be required and capped with a crown.

Final thoughts

Despite discomfort, it seems there is a good reason for sensitive teeth. According to an article in Live Science,  a spokesman for the American Dental Association was quoted as saying “Tooth pain is a defence mechanism that ensures when a tooth is damaged, we’ll notice and do something about it.”

So, if you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity it could be a sign of something worse and shouldn’t be ignored. Talk to our friendly team at Cheadle Hulme Dental to see how we can help. Call 0161 486 0743 or use our online booking system today.