Throbbing severe pain usually indicates an infected tooth and cavity, but there are many types of tooth pain that do not fit this category. Sensitive teeth are sometimes a natural result of the aging process, but they can also indicate a condition that requires attention from your dentist.
- Do hot and cold beverages make you cringe with tooth pain?
- Does chocolate hurt your teeth?
- Do your teeth tend to ache in cold weather?
- Do you experience shooting pain when you chew your food?
If so, you might be experiencing regular or intermittent tooth sensitivity. Read on to learn about the possible causes of sensitive teeth. Duncan, OK general dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges can help you get to the bottom of your condition and make sure your teeth are not in danger of further damage. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity is often caused by exposed dentin. The upper portion of the tooth is surrounded by a hard layer of enamel, which has no nerve endings and no sensation. Below the enamel, however is the portion of the tooth called the dentin. Dentin is not as hard as enamel and it ultimately leads to the pulp chamber inside the tooth, where the living tissues (blood vessels, nerve endings) are found. Nerve endings branch out from the pulp chamber into the dentin, which can cause pain when exposed. There are many ways this can happen.
Acid Erosion
One way that dentin becomes exposed is when enamel wears thin from an overly acidic diet. If highly acidic foods and drinks are regular part of your diet—sodas, coffee, and citrus for example—enamel can become thinner. You may notice visual signs of acid erosion, where teeth may begin to look darker or more transparent.
Acid erosion can also be caused by the frequent presence of stomach acids in the mouth. For example, patients with vomiting problems or acid reflux disease (GERD) often show signs of eroded enamel, which can make teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Fractures and Cracks
Teeth naturally become more brittle as we age and may be more susceptible to cracking from contact with hard foods (almonds, corn-nuts), non-food items (biting pens or bobby pins, for example), and ice. Oftentimes, we don’t notice small cracks in the teeth, but over time they can lead to temperature sensitivity, shooting pain when chewing, and tooth fractures.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also result in cracked or worn-down enamel, due to the constant friction and clenching that take place at night when you sleep. Cracks should always be monitored and treated when possible, because they can open the door to bacterial infection and result in the development of cavities.
Gum Recession
While receding gums are most frequently caused by gum disease, they can also be the result of over-zealous tooth brushing or using a brush with hard or “medium” bristles. If your gums look as though they are pulling away from the teeth (or teeth appear to be getting longer), you may have gum recession.
The problem with this condition is that the part of the tooth below the gum line does not contain enamel. As a result, this newly exposed part of the tooth will be extremely sensitive and much more vulnerable to the development of tooth decay. You may also notice that exposed dentin acquires stains more easily than tooth enamel, so teeth may appear more yellow at the gum line.
If you ever feel as though your teeth are aching at the roots, this can be a sign of gum disease and gum recession—both of which should be treated with periodontal therapy.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Depending on the cause of your pain, there are several treatments Duncan, OK general dentist Matthew bridges may recommend. For example, fluoride treatments can help strengthen any remaining tooth enamel to prevent further erosion; a night guard may be recommended to prevent further erosion/cracking if bruxism is indicated; teeth with deep cracks or fractures can be crowned to restore function and form; and periodontal treatments and gum surgery may be needed if gum recession is caused by gum disease.
Given the many possible causes for sensitive teeth, it’s always to your best benefit to visit your dentist and find out the cause of your pain. Sensitive teeth may indicate an oral health concern that could worsen if neglected.
Duncan, OK general dentist Matthew Bridges wants to help you put an end to your tooth sensitivity! To make an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, contact our office at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online.
