Have you ever experienced sudden tooth pain that you’ve never had before? You’re not alone. In Canada, 22-30% of adults also experience sudden tooth sensitivity. Suddenly experiencing tooth sensitivity may be a sign to look closer at your dental health.
Tooth sensitivity can happen for various reasons, including enamel erosion, gum recession, and even using teeth whitening products. To get to the root cause of your teeth sensitivity, booking an appointment with your dentist is the first step.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
The causes of tooth sensitivity can stem from common dental issues like cavities and gum recession. Some of the products or foods you’re putting in your mouth may also be causing your tooth sensitivity.
Ten reasons you may be experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity are:
- Enamel erosion
- Tooth decay & cavities
- Gum recession
- Gum & sinus infections
- Cracked teeth
- Dental procedures
- Jaw clenching & tooth grinding
- Diet
- Exposure to hot or cold
- Using teeth whitening products
Each of these are explained in detail below:
- Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the sensitive inner dentin and pulp. While enamel is very durable, it can wear down over time. Things like brushing your teeth too hard, or frequently eating acidic food can damage and weaken the enamel.
When enamel is damaged, the dentin and pulp of your teeth may be exposed, causing sensitivity when eating certain foods or using certain dental products.
- Cavities
Suddenly experiencing tooth sensitivity, especially when eating sweet food can be a sign that you have a cavity.
A more advanced cavity may cause consistent tooth sensitivity and pain that your dentist should treat immediately.
- Gum Recession
Gum Recession occurs when your gums pull away from the base of your teeth. This pulling away exposes your teeth’s sensitive roots. Exposed roots can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
Gum recession can happen due to smoking, aggressive tooth brushing, genetics, and more. More severe cases of gum recession may require surgical intervention.
- Gum & Sinus Infections
Infections can also be a source of sudden tooth sensitivity. As many as 70% of Canadians will experience gingivitis, caused by bacterial infections of the gums. Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom of the early stages of gingivitis. Gingivitis should be treated before it can progress into more serious periodontitis.
Another type of infection that could cause tooth sensitivity is a sinus infection. As your sinuses swell in an infection, they can press onto the roots of your teeth, causing sudden tooth sensitivity.
- Cracked Teeth
Cracks in a tooth’s crown or enamel may expose the tooth’s dentin. Cracked teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity if left untreated.
- Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures may lead to tooth sensitivity during the recovery process. If you experience prolonged tooth sensitivity after a dental procedure, consult your dentist.
- Jaw Clenching & Tooth Grinding
Bruxism, or tooth grinding can lead to tooth sensitivity. Repeated jaw clenching and tooth grinding can cause the tooth’s enamel to be worn down. It can also cause cracks in the teeth. Both enamel erosion and cracked teeth can cause teeth sensitivity.
- Diet
Your diet can have a big impact on your dental health. Foods with high levels of sugar like candy and soda, and acidic foods like lemons and processed meat can damage the teeth’s enamel, which may lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Exposure to Hot or Cold
A cause of tooth sensitivity is exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. This sensitivity occurs for various reasons. Things like improperly fitted dental fillings or eroded enamel may cause your teeth to be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Using Teeth Whitening Products
Tooth Whitening strips, pastes, and mouthwashes can cause tooth sensitivity after use. This damage is due to the Hydrogen Peroxide in these products, which can damage the dentin in your teeth.
Tooth sensitivity from whitening products should go away after halting the use of the product.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatments & Prevention
Luckily, there are many ways to prevent and treat tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will be able to provide treatment personalized to you. But the best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is by practicing good dental hygiene.
Good dental hygiene includes:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles and brush your teeth gently.
- Keep up with regular dental exams and cleanings.
- Avoid highly acidic foods, or drink water and brush your teeth after consuming highly acidic foods.
While you should always consult your dentist to find the right treatment for your tooth sensitivity. Some common treatments for tooth sensitivity include:
- Desensitizing toothpastes and mouthwashes.
- Fluoride treatments (such as a fluoride varnish).
- Dental bonding and dental sealant treatments.
- Gum grafts.
We Can Help Treat Your Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity does not have to become your new normal. Our experienced team at Upper Gage Dental Centre is happy to help you find the source of your tooth sensitivity and find an appropriate treatment for you.
Book an appointment with us, and we’ll give your teeth the care that they deserve!
