Sudden tooth sensitivity

Why are teeth sensitive?

Teeth are living structures and can be damaged just like any other part of your body. There are also nerves inside your teeth that can become painful if exposed.

The outside of your tooth is covered with enamel, which is not alive and cannot heal itself if damaged. Underneath is a layer of dentin that can regenerate itself just like your skin or bones. Inside the dentin are tiny tubules that lead to nerves deeper inside the tooth. If your dentin is damaged, this can expose the nerves through the tubes and cause the tooth to become suddenly sensitive to heat and cold.

If you have a cracked tooth, cavity, or other injury, this will also irritate the nerve. Finally, inflammation can cause the gums to pull away from your teeth, which also exposes the underlying dentin and exposes the nerves through the canals.

No one wants to experience toothache or discomfort, but it can be especially annoying when something happens suddenly. There can be many reasons for the sudden onset of tooth sensitivity; some are more serious than others. In addition to good oral hygiene, the best way to maintain oral health and reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity is to schedule cleanings twice a year.

What is sudden tooth sensitivity?

Many people experience sudden tooth sensitivity or dentine hypersensitivity from time to time. For most people who experience sudden tooth sensitivity, a common trigger is eating or drinking something cold, although hot foods and drinks can also trigger tooth sensitivity. Other triggers include food or drinks that are sweet or acidic.

What are the causes of sudden tooth sensitivity?

It’s reasonable to assume that any sudden pain or discomfort is cause for concern, but that’s not always the case. Many causes of sudden tooth sensitivity go away quickly, especially when triggers such as cold drinks are removed. However, there are reasons for sudden sensitivity that could indicate an underlying oral health problem. The most common reasons why your teeth suddenly become sensitive are:

• Aggressive brushing
• eat ice
• Cold
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• A diet rich in hard or acidic foods
• Eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa
• Use of teeth whitening products
• gum disease
• Sinus problems
• Tooth damage and decay, including enamel erosion, cavities, and cracked teeth or crowns

Treatment of more severe cases of tooth sensitivity may include the following:

Gum grafting for receding gums

root canal

To prevent further damage to tooth enamel, underlying diseases that lead to sensitivity should also be treated separately.

When should I worry about my sensitive teeth?

It’s not practical to never drink cold drinks or eat acidic foods again to avoid sudden tooth sensitivity, so if you’re constantly experiencing this discomfort, it’s time to schedule a dental exam.

Many underlying causes of sudden tooth sensitivity are quite serious, especially if left untreated. For example, gum disease can cause tooth loss and harm your overall health, even increasing your risk of heart disease and other chronic health problems.

How can I prevent sudden tooth sensitivity?

There are many ways to reduce your risk of sudden tooth sensitivity, and the best ones will depend on the underlying cause of your discomfort. But the best ways include brushing your teeth twice a day and drinking plenty of water if your eating habits include high-acid foods and drinks. Water helps balance the acid levels in your mouth, leaving less acid to erode tooth enamel.

10 possible reasons for sudden tooth sensitivity

Exposure to extreme heat or cold

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the wear of tooth enamel or the exposed nerves of your tooth. When you eat or drink something with a very low or high temperature, you may feel sudden tooth sensitivity.

Gum recession

The gum is a layer of pink tissue that covers the bone and surrounds the root of the tooth to help protect the nerve endings of your tooth. With age, the gum tissue often begins to wear down, which causes the gums to atrophy

This indentation exposes the roots of your teeth and also makes you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth infection. If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than before, gum recession could be to blame.

Erosion of tooth enamel (dentin)

It is estimated that at least 12% of people have some form of “dentine hypersensitivity” that causes them discomfort when eating. This sensitivity can be caused by eating a very acidic diet, brushing your teeth too much, and other factors.

As a result, your tooth enamel begins to wear away and not be replaced. This can lead to a sharp, stabbing pain that sends shivers down your spine when you bite into certain foods.

tooth decay (cavity)

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, maybe the reason why your teeth suddenly start to bother you. Tooth decay can remain on the sides or top of your tooth enamel for some time regardless of your tooth enamel.

When decay starts to progress to infection, you may feel sensitivity in your tooth.

Gum infection

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects more than 47% of adults over the age of 30. Gum disease in its early stages is called gingivitis, and some people don’t even know they have it. Sensitive teeth and gums can be a sign of worsening gum disease.

Cracked tooth or crown

You may not be surprised to know that a cracked tooth or crown can cause sudden tooth pain and sensitivity. But there are cases where your tooth may be so cracked that it is painful but almost impossible.

Sinus infection

One of the symptoms of a sinus infection is pain and sensitivity in your teeth and jaw. As your sinuses become inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, they can compress the nerve endings in your teeth.

Grinding teeth

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw can lead to sudden tooth sensitivity as your tooth enamel wears away. While many people clench or grind their teeth from time to time, stressful situations or poor sleep can lead to an increase in the habit without you even realizing it.

Dental procedures

Recent fillings or dental work involving piercings can temporarily make the nerve endings of your teeth more sensitive. The sensitivity caused by tooth filling may last up to two weeks.

Teeth whitening products

Using whitening strips, whitening gels, or having an in-office whitening procedure can put you at greater risk for sudden tooth sensitivity. Pain in your teeth caused by teeth whitening is often temporary and will usually subside if you stop using whitening products.

When should you see a doctor?

If your teeth are sensitive when they weren’t before, make an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to recommend a simple treatment such as desensitizing toothpaste.

Your dentist can also determine if you need a corrective procedure, such as a filling or tooth extraction, to relieve the pain.

There are countless reasons why you may experience sudden sensitivity in your teeth. Most of them are related to the natural erosion of your gums or tooth enamel.

Overcoming sudden tooth sensitivity

If your teeth suddenly become sensitive, you should not ignore the problem easily. It is important to see your dentist in Kingston so he can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend treatment. You may need something as simple as hypoallergenic toothpaste, or you may need basic dental work. Either way, the goal is to get your smile back to its perfect state.