7 Factors That May Result in Sensitive Teeth

Mrs. Irene Bokser Periodontist Queens, NY

Dr. Irene Bokser, Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, specializes in conservative treatment of gum disease, including cosmetic procedures to enhance smile, and dental implants to replace single or multiple missing teeth. Dr. Bokser performs all aspects of periodontics and implantology. She also diagnoses... more

Many people have dealt with sensitive teeth at least once in their lives. Your jaw might hurt with just one bite of an apple or sip of a sugary hot tea. The most bothersome issue is that despite good proper hygiene and regular dental checkups, tooth sensitivity can still persist.

Your nerve endings may become visible if your enamel is severely damaged or worn down. Any irritation might result in extreme pain. This symptom has to be taken seriously. You could discover that your teeth are getting cavities. 

Hypersensitivity does occasionally arise in teeth that are perfectly cared for. Why? There are a lot of possibilities. Here are some of the most common ones that you should be aware of: 

1. You rinse your mouth too much 
Fresh breath is critical to how others perceive you. Excessive mouthwash use, on the other hand, raises the risk of tooth enamel erosion. These dental care products are typically highly acidic. However, it doesn't mean that you should skip rinsing. Ask your dentist to help you choose the most suitable product instead.

2. You overindulge in sour foods
Your love of sour foods may be the source of your tooth sensitivity. It does not imply that you consume raw lemons and limes on a regular basis. It is frequently enough to enjoy seemingly harmless citrus fruits such as lemonade, sweets, tangerines, and other citrus fruits.

All of them have a high concentration of the aforementioned acids. Different people have different dental enamel thicknesses and nerve-ending sensitivity. And if your enamel isn't made of steel, you can get sensitive teeth sooner rather than later.

3. You tried whitening your teeth on your own 
The teeth whitening process is complex and should only be carried out by a qualified dentist. But this is frequently disregarded in the quest for a bright smile. And the effects might be really unpleasant.

4. You have an overbite
An overbite should not cause any problems throughout childhood or adolescence. An overbite, on the other hand, accelerates tooth erosion as people age. Tooth sensitivity may worsen when enamel breaks down. You must have your bite corrected as quickly as possible.

5. You have bad habits
Bad habits include things like grinding your teeth or chewing your nails. All of this causes enamel microcracks, which expose the dentin to different risks.

6. You have receding gums 
Your gums, like your teeth, may degenerate as you age. They are likely to separate from the teeth, exposing the roots as a result. Because they lack a thick layer of enamel, the roots of the teeth are far more fragile than the crowns. Gum recession can be caused by smoking or tartar accumulation.

7. You have serious health problems
If you feel sensitivity in more than one tooth, diabetes may be to blame. A variety of sensitive tooth treatments may impair thyroid hormone production. As a result, addressing endocrine disorders before starting a medication may be necessary. Tooth sensitivity is another common symptom of acid reflux, which is usually accompanied by heartburn, acid burps, or bulimia. 

The bottom line
Don't expect your teeth sensitivity to go away on its own if it has already become a chronic condition and a source of continual discomfort. Consult a dentist right away for professional care. Only a  specialist is capable of determining and treating the underlying reasons for dental sensitivity. The dentist will recommend one or more treatments to fix the condition based on the findings of the examination.