Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem in America: studies have found that as many as 45% of adults suffer from it. Sensitive teeth make it hard for you to enjoy hot and cold foods and drinks, and even tasks like brushing your teeth can be painful. Tooth sensitivity can have many different causes, but fortunately, these causes can be treated, and your tooth function can be restored. Here are four possible reasons why your teeth hurt so much.
Your tooth roots are exposed
The roots of your teeth are very sensitive, but they are protected beneath your gum line. If your gums start to recede (pull away) from your teeth, the sensitive roots become exposed. Gums can recede for a lot of reasons, like brushing your teeth too aggressively, not flossing, or even hormonal changes. If this is the cause of your sensitivity, you may notice that your teeth look longer than they used to, or you may notice notches at the base of your teeth. Dentists can fix a receding gum line with gum grafts; during this procedure, gum tissue from other parts of your mouth will be used to cover the exposed roots.
You have a cavity
Cavities, also called tooth decay, begin in your enamel. You won't feel any discomfort during this stage, but as soon as the decay eats through your enamel and into the sensitive tissues beneath it, you'll develop sensitivity or even pain in the affected tooth. If your sensitivity takes the form of a sharp pain and only happens when your tooth is touched by something sweet, hot or cold, a cavity may be the root of the problem.
Fillings are the main treatment option for minor cavities. If the cavity is severe, you may need to have more invasive treatments like a root canal or even an extraction. Your dentist will tell you which treatment is appropriate after examining your teeth.
Your enamel is worn
Enamel is the hard, white layer that covers the outsides of your teeth; its job is to protect the sensitive tissues inside your teeth. While enamel is strong, it can be worn away, and when this happens, sensitive teeth will be the result.
Enamel can become worn away by using too much pressure when you brush your teeth or by brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush. It can also be worn away by years of biting and chewing. Acids can also be the cause of your missing enamel. Acids are present in foods and drinks such as fruit or soda, and over time, they eat away at your enamel.
You recently whitened your teeth
Tooth whitening treatments are a known cause of tooth sensitivity. This happens due to the effect of the chemicals on the surface of your teeth. Your dentin, the layer of your tooth just below the enamel, contains microscopic pathways called tubules. Tubules are sort of like veins, but instead of blood, they carry fluid throughout your dentin. Tubules have plugs inside them to stop sensitivity from travelling throughout the tooth, but the chemicals used for whitening dissolve these tubes. This allows pain to travel throughout your tooth in a way that wasn't possible when the plugs were still in place. Your dentist can help you deal with this problem by re-plugging the tubes.
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, but that doesn't mean that it's normal or healthy. This problem can be caused by a number of underlying problems, like gum recession or cavities, that need to be resolved. If your teeth are sensitive, see your family dentist to find out what's causing the problem.
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