Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem for a lot of people. There’s no one thing that

causes tooth sensitivity; instead, it can be caused by many different things. And that
means there are just as many treatments.

Sensitive teeth can impact what we eat, drink, and even how we brush our teeth. It is
crucial to identify the cause, treat the symptoms, as well as correct the problem before
other serious factors become more severe.

Gum Recession

Receding gums are one reason teeth may feel sensitive. Periodontitis (gum disease),
bruxism (clenching and grinding), overzealous brushing habits, or using a stiff
toothbrush are all common causes of gum recession. In some cases, rapid tooth
movement can also be a factor.

The underlying tooth structure, called dentin, is exposed when the gums recede.
Because it is porous and contains nerve endings, dentin should be covered with tooth
enamel or gum tissue. If gum recession occurs the dentin becomes exposed to external
stimulants, the sensitive nerve endings in your dentin lead to tooth hypersensitivity.
The best ways to manage and prevent tooth sensitivity are to keep your teeth and gums
healthy by practicing good home care.

 

Temperature Changes

Are your teeth sensitive to heat and cold? Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that
many people complain about. There are many factors that can cause the sensation you
feel, and knowing what causes sensitive teeth can help you get rid of it, prevent it from
returning, and know when it is best to visit a dentist.
Thousands of tiny pores, called “tubules”, cover your teeth. Each tubule contains a tiny
nerve ending that runs through different layers of the tooth. It can make a tooth sensitive
if they are exposed to different sensations.

With temperature related tooth sensitivity, you may be hypersensitive to hot or cold.
While cold sensitivity is possible in healthy teeth and naturally occurs from time to time,
it’s not a good sign if a too is sensitive to heat. Heat sensitivity is usually a sign of
something wrong with your tooth’s nerve (pulp) deep inside of the tooth. A root canal is
usually the prescribed treatment.

 

Old, Leaky Dental Work

If you’ve recently had a dental procedure like a crown, filling, or teeth whitening
treatment, it’s not uncommon to experience some temporary sensitivity. But old, leaky
fillings and broken dental work may cause your teeth to feel sensitive and need to be
replaced.

 

Sinus Pressure or Infection

Patients often visit their dentist for a problems like upper tooth pain or sensitivity. But
tooth sensitivity can be caused by something else other than your mouth. Oftentimes,
sinus pressure can be the source. If you have allergies, sinus pressure, or an infection,
the pressure can cause pressure against the root roots in that area, mimicking
toothaches and pain.
Sometimes, a simple allergy medication will improve the situation. In other cases,
antibiotic therapy may be necessary to treat an underlying sinus infection, and you
should seek out the best treatment and preventative medications for either condition.

 

Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

The best sensitivity treatment will depend on the reason behind your sensitive teeth.
Toothpaste – There are many kinds of toothpaste that can be purchased over-the-
counter and are effective in treating sensitive teeth. It may take several attempts before
you find the right one. Our Pompano Beach dentist can give you a recommendation or
have a prescription-strength toothpaste that works better.

Professional Fluoride Treatments

 

Fluoride is great at preventing sensitivity and 

cavities. Fluoride varnish and foam may be applied during your checkup to protect your
teeth. This protective treatment offers relief of symptoms up to a few months at a time.

Gum Tissue Graft 

If you have sensitive teeth because of exposed tooth roots, we
can help by performing a gum graft. Grafts also protect the stability of the tooth and
reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Update Your Dental Work

 

It’s possible that a filling is starting to leak or you have a
crown coming loose. This could cause bacteria to get into the sensitive areas of your
natural teeth, leading to new decay. The standard of care is to replace the old
restoration when leakage is suspected.

 

Get Help with Sensitive Teeth

If sensitive teeth are a problem and you haven’t been able to find relief on your own,
SEDA Dental in Pompano Beach is here to help.