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Many people may have experienced or are experiencing tooth sensitivity, with symptoms such as soreness, numbness, and stinging when drinking cold or hot beverages, or eating sweets or acidic foods. What exactly causes tooth sensitivity? And what methods can alleviate or treat this sensitivity? Let a doctor explain more about tooth sensitivity so you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your condition!
Why do people experience tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is mainly caused by the exposure of dentin. If the enamel of the tooth crown or the gums and cementum are damaged, the tooth loses its protective layer, and the inner dentin will be exposed. Dentin is full of tiny tubules, and when the tooth is directly stimulated by external factors, such as eating, drinking, or consuming hot, cold, sour, or sweet foods and beverages, the nerve endings in these tubules are triggered, causing the patient to feel a stinging sensation.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
(1) Gingival disease
In particular, inflammatory diseases of the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to gum recession, exposing the tooth roots. If cavities have invaded the dentin beneath the enamel, the teeth will also become sensitive.
(2) Excessive wear: Frequently clenching your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard, or using a toothbrush with overly hard bristles can wear down the enamel, causing the dentin to be exposed, which in turn leads to tooth sensitivity.
(3) Irritating erosion
Frequent consumption of acidic drinks or foods can demineralize the enamel, creating tiny cracks that expose the dentin and dental nerves to temperature or chemicals. Furthermore, stomach acid can slowly break down the crystals in the enamel; acid reflux and frequent vomiting can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
(4) Cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can also cause tooth sensitivity. When cracks appear on the surface of a patient's teeth, hot and cold stimuli can irritate the dental nerves through the cracks, causing discomfort when chewing, such as when drinking cold beverages or eating sweet or sour foods.
(5) Dental treatment
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after dental treatments or surgeries, such as fillings, extractions, or orthodontic treatments. If this sensitivity persists for an extended period, it is advisable to seek medical help.
Why do people experience tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is mainly caused by the exposure of dentin. If the enamel of the tooth crown or the gums and cementum are damaged, the tooth loses its protective layer, and the inner dentin will be exposed. Dentin is full of tiny tubules, and when the tooth is directly stimulated by external factors, such as eating, drinking, or consuming hot, cold, sour, or sweet foods and beverages, the nerve endings in these tubules are triggered, causing the patient to feel a stinging sensation.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
(1) Gingival disease
In particular, inflammatory diseases of the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to gum recession, exposing the tooth roots. If cavities have invaded the dentin beneath the enamel, the teeth will also become sensitive.
(2) Excessive wear: Frequently clenching your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard, or using a toothbrush with overly hard bristles can wear down the enamel, causing the dentin to be exposed, which in turn leads to tooth sensitivity.
(3) Irritating erosion
Frequent consumption of acidic drinks or foods can demineralize the enamel, creating tiny cracks that expose the dentin and dental nerves to temperature or chemicals. Furthermore, stomach acid can slowly break down the crystals in the enamel; acid reflux and frequent vomiting can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
(4) Cracked tooth
Cracked teeth can also cause tooth sensitivity. When cracks appear on the surface of a patient's teeth, hot and cold stimuli can irritate the dental nerves through the cracks, causing discomfort when chewing, such as when drinking cold beverages or eating sweet or sour foods.
(5) Dental treatment
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after dental treatments or surgeries, such as fillings, extractions, or orthodontic treatments. If this sensitivity persists for an extended period, it is advisable to seek medical help.
What are some ways to alleviate sensitivity?
(1) Change oral hygiene habits
Proper brushing technique can improve tooth sensitivity to pain. Patients should brush gently from the gums to the crown, and pay attention to how they hold the toothbrush to avoid brushing too hard.
(2) Choose appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste
Toothbrush heads that are too large or too hard will not clean teeth effectively and may even irritate the gums. Use dental floss or interdental brushes instead of toothpicks to clean between teeth. For toothpaste, choose a desensitizing toothpaste daily. After brushing, apply a small amount of desensitizing toothpaste to sensitive areas and leave it on overnight. Also, be careful when choosing toothpastes containing high concentrations of cleaning particles, such as whitening toothpaste, to avoid damaging teeth.
(2) Changes in lifestyle and eating habits
Acidic substances can erode tooth enamel, so patients with sensitive teeth should avoid frequently consuming acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, coffee, cheese, and citrus fruits. Sugar is also converted into acidic substances by bacteria in the mouth, so it's advisable to reduce the intake of foods high in sugar.
(3) Seek dental assistance
If the above methods fail to improve tooth sensitivity or the sensitivity is too severe, you should seek help from a dentist. If the tooth sensitivity is caused by grinding, cavities, or cracked teeth, the dentist may apply a high concentration of fluoride to the tooth surface, fill the tooth, prescribe a "grinding brace," or prescribe desensitizing toothpaste to relieve tooth sensitivity.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
