The “Why” Behind Tooth Sensitivity
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans suffer from oversensitive teeth. Although common, tooth sensitivity can be one of the most disruptive and uncomfortable dental health problems. If you wince in pain when eating ice cream or sipping coffee, don’t ignore it. Tooth pain that is brought on by the exposure of hot or cold temperatures is a sign that you need to see your dentist.
What Makes a Tooth Hurt?
Tooth sensitivity happens as a result of exposed dentin. Dentin is the layer of your tooth just beneath the outer enamel layer. Dentin is composed of multiple tubes that run from your outer tooth layer to the inner tooth chamber where your nerves reside. Therefore, when the dentin layer gets exposed, any elements of extreme temperatures cause your nerves to react in an adverse way.
How does dentin get exposed? Enamel loss and receding gums are the primary culprits. Each of these conditions can be brought on from a variety of factors, which are listed below.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Determining the cause of your sensitive teeth is the first step towards finding a cure. Here are some common reasons why you may be avoiding that popsicle or cup of hot cocoa.
- Brushing too hard
- Cracked teeth
- Grinding your teeth
- Gum disease
- Tooth bleaching
- Age
Each of these factors involves the exposure of either the dentin or tooth root, which leads to sensitivity. High amounts of acidic beverages can also be a leading culprit to tooth sensitivity because they erode the enamel of your teeth over time.
At Laguna West Dental Care, we want you to have a healthy, comfortable smile through all stages of life. If you are experiencing tooth pain, we can help. Our services include dedicated procedures to rebuild your enamel or seal off the tubes of dentin that are irritating the nerves of your tooth. You should never have to deal with sensitive teeth on a long-term basis.