What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
What causes sensitive teeth can be a tricky answer. There are many different factors that go into what causes sensitive teeth. The different senses involved are temperature, sweets, touch, and pressure. When pain and discomfort is what causes sensitive teeth it is usually a sign of a dental factor happening. This can include tooth decay, trauma to teeth, or even overall wear. below we will answer what causes sensitive teeth in more detail.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
There are two very different types of what causes sensitive teeth:
-Sensitivity Of The Dentin. This type of teeth sensitivity occurs when the dentin layer of a tooth is exposed. Dentin is supposed to be covered by enamel above the gum line and by cementum (bone like connective tissue covering the root of a tooth) below the gum line. The dentin is made up of tiny openings called tubules. Inside each tubule there is a nerve branch that comes from the tooth’s pulp (the nerve center of the tooth). When the dentin is exposed, these nerve branches can be affected by hot, cold, or certain foods.
This causes tooth sensitivity. Dentin exposure is a major factor in what causes sensitive teeth. When the outer protective layers of enamel or cementum wear away the dentinal tubules becomes exposed to external factors. This dental sensitivity can affect one tooth or multiple teeth. Dentin exposure can be be what causes sensitive teeth in multiple ways. These can include:
– Overly Aggressive tooth brushing. The enamel layer can be worn away from brushing too hard or even using a toothbrush that is too hard over a long period of time.
– Dental plaque build up. The presence of plaque along root surfaces can cause tooth sensitivity.
-Tooth Wear. This type of wear occurs over time from teeth clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism).
-Untreated Tooth Decay. –Recession of Gum Tissues. When the gums recede they expose the tooth’s uncovedred roots. Receding gums are often caused by periodontal disease or by overly aggressive brushing. Receded gums are very common and approximately 80% of all people have some form of gum recession by the time the age of 65. Gum recession is a major factor in what causes sensitive teeth in many people. -Periodontal surgery (gum surgery) that exposes the tooth’s roots.
-Frequently eating acidic foods or liquids.
-Pulpal sensitivity. This is a reaction of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels and nerves in the center of each tooth. Sensitivity of the pulpal tissue tends to affect only one tooth. Causes of this type of sensitivity can include:
-Tooth Decay or dental infection.
-Placement of a recent dental restoration.
-Excessive pressure from teeth grinding or clenching your teeth.
-A cracked or broken tooth. If you feel a sharp pain upon biting, you may have a broken or cracked filling. Pain when you release your bite is a sign of a cracked tooth. Your dentist will be able to diagnose what causes the sensitive teeth for you.
Dental Treatment For What Causes Sensitive Teeth
Once what causes sensitive teeth for you is determined treatment can begin. If it is due to a dental infection or trauma the course of action will be direct dental treatment in form of a root canal or dental crown or treatment of gum recession. If what causes sensitive teeth for you is not as easy to detect your dentist will recommend products to protect your teeth and seal the dentinal tubules and reduce or take away tooth sensitivity.
Desensitizing Dental Products
When the causes of sensitive teeth are not so obvious, there are still many dental treatments to help contain what causes sensitive teeth for you. These can include: -Fluoride Gel. This will help to strengthen the tooth’s enamel and reduce discomfort and pain from tooth sensitivity. -Sensitive Teeth Toothpastes. These are recommended as well to help seal up exposed dentinal tubules. These have been known to produce excellent results in as little as 2-3 weeks. Excellent brands include sensodyne, colgate, crest, and Tom’s of Maine.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth Conclusion
Coping with and figuring out what causes sensitive teeth can be quite frustrating for patients. Many times the causes of sensitive teeth is easily diagnosed and treated and other times it needs more investigation and time to pinpoint the reason for the tooth sensitivity. As soon as you experience any dental sensitivity that causes pain and discomfort contact your dentist. This will give them a chance to diagnose quickly what causes sensitive teeth for you. The sooner the sensitivity is addressed by your dentist the happier you will be in the long run.
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