What Are the Causes of Sensitive Teeth?
Millions of adults are affected by pain when eating hot or cold foods or breathing cold air. This sensitivity is caused by the gums receding or the loss of cementum, which is a thin layer of calcified tissue that acts as a protective covering around the tooth root. When the gums recede, the root and nerves of the tooth are exposed. Nerves react to cold, heat and pressure by causing pain. Eventually, as gums recede or enamel on the teeth wears down, tooth sensitivity is more apparent.
When you have pain from a sensitive tooth, and the tooth does not have any decay or fracture, the tooth can feel sensitive for a number of different reasons, including: Receding gums: When gums recede (because you’re using a hard toothbrush and brushing too hard, because of gum disease, or even because of simple aging), your tooth roots expose the tiny dental channels leading to the tooth’s nerve center (pulp), causing sensitivity. A cracked tooth or filling: A crack in the tooth may run from the biting surface to the root. Hot, cold, sweet, and pressure tend to trigger pain or sensitivity at the early stage. Tooth grinding: You may unknowingly clench or grind your teeth when you’re asleep. The tooth enamel wears away, leading to sensitivity. Enamel erosion: If you consume acidic foods and soft drinks frequently, they may dissolve the mineral structure of the teeth and damage the tooth enamel overtime, leading to sensitivity. Tooth whitening: Tooth sensitivity after whitening is common
