It’s common for everyone to have sensitive teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, as many as 40 million Americans suffer from dental sensitivity regularly.
You may be perplexed as to why you suddenly have sensitive teeth. You never know when it will happen to you. Having sensitive teeth is painful since it makes it harder to enjoy your favorite cold and hot delights, such as ice cream and coffee. Let’s look at why teeth are suddenly so sensitive.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive All of a Sudden?
You may be surprised to learn that your teeth, like the rest of your body, can be harmed. There are a variety of causes of tooth sensitivity, and finding a solution is made simpler with more knowledge. Listed above are the various reasons for sensitivity in teeth:
Exposure to Extremely Low or High Temperature
When the enamel on your teeth begins to wear away, you become more sensitive to extremes in temperature. When the enamel on the tooth’s surface wears away, nerve endings are exposed, resulting in a heightened sensitivity to heat and cold.
Clenching Jaws, Stress, or Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Chronic dental sensitivity may result from grinding and clenching your jaws as the enamel on your teeth disappears. Stress or lack of sleep may increase the frequency with which you clench your teeth, which can cause dental discomfort that is difficult to explain.
Tooth Decay, Broken/Chipped Teeth, and Cavities
You may only experience sensitivity to acidic, spicy, or cold foods in the early stages of a cavity. The enamel on your teeth protects the nerves of your dentin. Still, with time, bacteria eat away at the enamel, exposing the dentin’s nerves, and may even migrate into the pulp, causing tooth decay and discomfort. When you break or shatter your teeth, you may expose your dentin or even your pulp, which may cause pain or sensitivity.
Recession of Gums (Periodontal Disease)
Periodontitis, another name for gum disease, is a disorder in which the gums begin to recede. Gum disease may occur as a result of age or dental trauma. Explicit teeth may be seen if the gums recede too much. Gum disease and tooth infections are more likely as a result of this. There is no way to regrow gum tissue that has been lost, but there are options for treating the discomfort and preventing additional recession.
Gum Infection (Gingivitis)
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis might sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. Gum sensitivity and bleeding gums are two of the most common signs of periodontitis. It is important to treat a gum infection as soon as possible.
Erosion of the Dental Enamel
At least 12% of the population suffers from “dentin hypersensitivity,” a condition that makes eating unpleasant. It may be caused by consuming a diet rich in acid, cleaning your teeth too hard, or combining these. Consequently, your teeth’s enamel wears away and isn’t replaced, allowing cavities to form. A sharp, stabbing sensation may be felt when you bite into some meals, which can cause a chill down your spine.
Cracked Tooth or Crown
The pain and sensitivity of a fractured tooth or crown may not surprise you. But in certain circumstances, a tooth may be slightly broken, causing discomfort but making it practically impossible to see.
Teeth Bleaching Products
Many tooth whitening solutions have the side effect of sensitivity. It’s best to use whitening strips or bleaching gels only when necessary and not misuse them.
Sinus Infection
One sign of a sinus infection is tooth and jaw discomfort. A sinus infection may cause your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen, putting pressure on the nerves in your teeth.
Dental Procedures
A tooth’s pulp (the deepest layer) might swell during several dental operations, which can cause pain. After a few days or weeks, this normally subsides.
Aggressive Brushing
Even though brushing your teeth is a must, if you’re overzealous about it, you risk damaging your enamel. Keep your teeth clean by using a soft-bristled brush and always being gentle.
Your Nutritional Plan
It is possible to destroy tooth enamel by eating a lot of hard or acidic meals, making it easier for hot and cold items to irritate your teeth’s delicate inner layers. When drinking acidic beverages like coffee, wine, and carbonated sodas, use a straw to keep the liquid from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
Eating or Digestive Disorders
Over time, self-induced vomiting exposes your teeth to acid, weakening your enamel. As a side effect, germs thrive in a dry mouth, increasing the likelihood of dental issues and damage. Even if a dentist should be consulted, this is only one of the bulimia-related health hazards.
Certain Medications
Dental damage may occur if drugs such as aspirin, asthma inhalers, and antihistamines are used often. If you suspect a medication is to blame for your tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome
TMJ syndrome is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the jaw known as a temporomandibular joint syndrome. The lower jaw is joined to the skull by the TMJ. It is common for those with this syndrome to have sudden or intense pain in the jaw or ear. However, the pain may also radiate into the teeth of those who suffer from this condition.
What Is the Treatment for Sensitive Teeth?
Teeth sensitivity may be addressed. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, your dentist may recommend various treatment options.
At-home therapy with desensitizing toothpaste may be the initial recommendation from your dentist. According to the American Dental Association, it normally takes many applications of desensitizing toothpaste to lessen sensitivity.
If you’re unsure about the reasons behind your tooth sensitivity, consult with the experts in dental care. The best place to start your search is with the name Vista Family Dentistry. Contact us now to learn more.