Why Do I Have Tooth Sensitivity? Causes, Treatments, and Tips for Relief

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common and bothersome conditions that affect people in their daily lives. If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain or an uncomfortable sensation when eating something cold, hot, or even sweet, it’s very likely that you’ve experienced tooth sensitivity. This issue can arise unexpectedly, but it’s often linked to habits or situations we can control. In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions about tooth sensitivity and explore the best ways to prevent and treat it.

Drinking something cold can trigger tooth sensitivity.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is the pain or discomfort felt when teeth come into contact with certain stimuli, such as cold, heat, sweet or acidic foods, and even while brushing your teeth or breathing in cold air. This pain occurs when the dentin, an inner tissue of the tooth, becomes exposed. Normally, the dentin is protected by the dental enamel, but when this tissue wears down, or when the gums recede, it can leave the tooth’s surface more vulnerable, causing pain.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

When dental enamel wears down, the dentin becomes exposed, and when the gums recede, the cementum of the tooth is also exposed. In both cases, the tooth becomes more sensitive to external stimuli. Some of the most common reasons for this are:

• Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel.

• Gum recession: Often caused by gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or natural aging, as well as overly vigorous brushing, the gums may recede, exposing the neck and root of the tooth.

• Teeth whitening: Some whitening products or procedures can temporarily cause tooth sensitivity due to the chemicals acting on the enamel.

• Cavities: When cavities go untreated, they can damage the enamel and expose the dentin.

• Bruxism: The habit of grinding teeth can cause fractures or cracks in the enamel, leading to dentin exposure.

• High-acid diet: Excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks (such as citrus fruits, sodas, and juices) can erode dental enamel.

• Systemic conditions: Chronic digestive conditions like constant acidity or reflux, for example, can affect the acidity levels in the mouth, causing damage to the dental enamel.

Brushing your teeth too hard or using an inappropriate toothbrush can lead to tooth sensitivity.

What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

The most obvious symptom is sharp, sudden pain, which usually occurs when:

• Eating or drinking something cold or hot.

• Consuming sweet or acidic foods.

• Breathing cold air through the mouth.

• Brushing your teeth.

This pain can range from mild to severe, and while some people only experience it occasionally, others may suffer from constant sensitivity.

Getting dental checkups every 6 months helps prevent issues like tooth sensitivity, among others.

What Can I Do to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

Preventing tooth sensitivity is closely related to taking care of your enamel and gums. Here are some helpful tips to prevent it:

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: When brushing, avoid applying too much pressure and use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging your enamel or gums.

2. Choose toothpaste for sensitive teeth: There are toothpastes specifically designed to block the pain sensations related to sensitivity, especially in mild cases.

3. Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Limit the consumption of foods and beverages that can affect enamel, such as sodas, citrus juices, and vinegars.

4. Use dental floss carefully: Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle when using dental floss, especially if you have receding gums.

5. Treat bruxism: If you tend to grind your teeth, you may need therapeutic treatment and a night guard to protect your teeth.

6. Visit your dentist regularly: Your dentist, like Dr. Luz Orozco, can help identify issues before they worsen and provide you with proper treatment.

Reducing your intake of sodas or soft drinks helps prevent tooth sensitivity.

Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity

If you are already experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are several treatment options available, which your dentist will choose depending on the cause and severity of the problem:

• Desensitizing toothpastes and/or mouthwashes: These products contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help block pain sensations.

• Fluoride varnish: Dentists can apply a fluoride varnish to the affected areas to strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.

• Dental veneers or resin restorations: If sensitivity is caused by a worn, fractured, or damaged tooth, veneers or resin restorations can be a solution to protect the tooth and improve its appearance. In very severe cases of enamel wear, treatment with dental crowns may be necessary.

• Bruxism treatments: If teeth grinding is the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist might recommend a bite guard or protective splint, as well as lifestyle changes to reduce stress.

• Gum surgery: In cases of severe gum recession, a gum graft may be performed to cover the exposed areas of the tooth root.

Tooth Sensitivity and Teeth Whitening: How Are They Related?

One of the most common questions that arises regarding tooth sensitivity is whether teeth whitening causes it. The answer is: yes, it is possible, but it is a temporary effect and does not occur in all patients.

When we perform teeth whitening treatments, whether at home or in the office, the chemicals used (such as hydrogen peroxide) act on the enamel and can sensitize the dentin, causing a temporary effect that disappears within a few days after the treatment.

How Can I Minimize Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening?

• Consult your dentist before whitening your teeth: Professionals like Dr. Luz Orozco in Bogotá can offer you whitening treatments that minimize sensitivity, using advanced techniques and specific products to protect the enamel.

• Use products for sensitive teeth: Before and after whitening, you can use toothpastes or mouthwashes designed to reduce sensitivity.

• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages: This can help decrease discomfort in the days following the whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic treatments by patients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth Sensitivity

Does tooth sensitivity go away on its own?

Not always. In some cases, sensitivity may be temporary, such as after a teeth whitening treatment. However, if the cause is enamel wear or gum recession, among others, sensitivity could be persistent without appropriate treatment.

Is tooth sensitivity dangerous?

Tooth sensitivity is not dangerous in itself, but it can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as a cavity, fractures, or gum disease, which do require treatment to prevent complications and greater expenses.

Should I avoid teeth whitening if I have sensitive teeth?

Not necessarily. If you have sensitive teeth, consult your dentist to assess the reasons and provide you with an appropriate teeth whitening treatment that reduces the likelihood of experiencing sensitivity during or after the procedure.

Conclusion

Tooth sensitivity can be an uncomfortable and painful experience, but it is not something you have to endure indefinitely. Identifying the causes and adopting appropriate preventive measures, such as proper brushing, using products designed for sensitive teeth, and reducing the consumption of acidic foods and beverages, can make a significant difference.

Additionally, if you experience constant sensitivity or severe pain, it is essential to consult a specialist. Professionals like Dr. Luz Orozco in Bogotá can offer you personalized and effective solutions to treat tooth sensitivity, helping you maintain a healthy smile free from discomfort.

Taking care of your teeth is key to enjoying a life without dental pain and continuing to smile with confidence.

Contact Dr. Luz Orozco here