subject: Fort Worth Dentist What Causes Tooth Sensitivity [print this page] Tooth sensitivity or sensitive teeth is most frequently caused by dentin exposure. The pulp is surrounded by the dentin which is a substance that has pores that are connected directly to the nerve. Dentin is covered by enamel in the unseen parts of the tooth while the part you see is covered by the gum under healthy conditions.
In instances where you experience sensitivity, probably is because the enamel has worn out or the gum has receded. You can describe tooth sensitivity as sudden, sharp, shooting pain. Deep inside the nerve ending is where the sensitivity is felt.You may endure the pain constantly or just intermittently. Exposure of the dentin to the outside environment for instance gum recession or missing of the enamel will cause sensitivity.
Dehydration of teeth causes sensitivity too and this happens if you use whitening or bleaching agents. Sensitivity of this nature is temporary because as soon as you re-hydrate, it goes away. If you have a dry mouth due to lack of saliva, chances are you will experience episodes of sensitivity because saliva helps in neutralizing bacteria and acidic foods.
A cosmetic dental treatment like teeth whitening is used to improve your appearance. But some people feel the sensitivity after the procedure even though it is safe and effective.Powerful bleaching agents are used to whiten teeth and these may cause teeth to become sensitive to heat or cold. As a matter of fact, heat and cold will constantly cause sensitivity to the extent that even breathing cold air is agonizing.
Fillings like inlays, gold crowns and amalgam are good temperature conductors and therefore contribute in teeth sensitivity. A worse scenario is where the cavity is deep and close to the nerve which brings about pain and agony.Cracked or broken teeth due to trauma contribute towards exposure of dentine and pulp which requires intervention to solve the problem. To avoid inflammation and infection of your teeth, never leave a cracked or a broken tooth untreated. This can lead to exposure of the pulp causing pain.
Dietary acids from carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices or even sucking of citrus fruits erode the teeth by dissolving the teeth substance and this results to sensitivity. Posterior surfaces are eroded by gastric acid and this can be noted in patients who have anorexia, bulimia or are alcoholics.Tooth with erosions normally has symptoms of scooped out appearances.
The correction of misalignment of teeth which is called orthodontic is one more cause of dental sensitivity because of pressure induced appliances. Sometimes during the placement of tooth straightening the slightest force could induce sensitiveness. Every form of treatment is geared towards sealing the microscopic tubules or the dentin pores and in return prevent sensitivity and nerve irritation. To help in sealing the dentin pores, regular use of toothpaste with potassium nitrate or a prescription of fluoride has proven benefits.A point to note though, the application of these desensitizing agents is addressing the symptoms and not the cause of your tooth sensitivity.
Treatment would include a thorough dental evaluation and treatment of any cavities and/or gum disease. If your tooth sensitivity is associated with clenching or grinding, the use of a night guard is the answer.
Avoid sensitivity by taking care of your outer tooth structure which is the enamel and also by using desensitizing toothpaste if signs are present.
Fort Worth Dentist What Causes Tooth Sensitivity
By: Jules Perez
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