Most people experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives. For some, it is occasional and mild; perhaps a quick twinge when eating ice cream or drinking a very cold drink. For others, it can be more regular discomfort, a likely sign that something is very definitely wrong.
While sensitivity is often linked to fairly manageable issues, it can also be a sign that your tooth needs attention. The challenge is that tooth sensitivity can have several different causes, and without a proper examination it is not always obvious what is actually triggering the discomfort.
Some of our patients say that they notice a sudden sharp pain with cold drinks. Others feel discomfort when brushing teeth in certain areas or breathing in cold air on a winter morning. Occasionally people find that sweet foods trigger sensitivity, while others notice tenderness when eating something hot.
One of the most common causes of sensitivity is when the enamel of a tooth is compromised in some way, exposing the more porous dentine layer beneath. This contains tiny microscopic channels connected to the inner nerves of the tooth. If enamel becomes worn or gums recede slightly, these channels can become exposed, allowing heat, cold or certain foods to stimulate the nerve more easily.
There are several reasons why this exposure can happen. Sometimes it is simply part of ageing. Teeth naturally experience wear over the years, particularly if someone has a history of grinding or clenching. In other cases, brushing too aggressively can gradually wear the tooth enamel near the gumline or contribute to gum recession.
Ironically, people who are very enthusiastic brushers occasionally end up causing more damage than those who brush gently and consistently!
Modern diets often contain far more acid than many people realise. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, wine, citrus fruits and even some ‘healthy’ snacks can gradually soften enamel over time if consumed frequently. This process, known as acid erosion, is becoming increasingly common. Even something as seemingly harmless as constantly sipping lemon water throughout the day can contribute to enamel wear.
Teeth whitening is another factor we sometimes discuss with any Catford dental patient who is experiencing sensitivity. Professional whitening is generally very safe when properly supervised, but temporary sensitivity can occur following treatment. Problems are more commonly seen when patients overuse whitening products at home or buy unregulated whitening kits online without guidance.
Sometimes a sensitive tooth may actually indicate something more significant. A cracked tooth, for example, may produce sharp discomfort when biting or drinking cold liquids. The sensitivity may also be caused by unnoticed decay, especially a deeper cavity that appears close to where the nerves are located in the root canals of the tooth.
As gums become inflamed or begin to recede, the roots of the teeth can become more exposed and sensitive. This is one reason routine dental examinations at our Rushey Green Dental Practice remain so important, even for people who feel generally well.
The good news is that sensitive teeth can often be managed very successfully once the underlying cause has been identified.
Using a toothpaste designed for sensitivity can help reduce symptoms over time by calming the nerve response inside the tooth. These products are usually most effective when used consistently rather than occasionally. Gentler brushing will also help.
There is no need to eliminate every acidic food completely, but rather become more aware of frequency and habits. Sipping acidic drinks slowly over long periods tends to be more damaging than consuming them with meals, for example.
For more significant sensitivity, there are professional treatments available that can help protect exposed areas and reduce discomfort.
In some cases, small tooth-coloured fillings can be placed over worn areas near the gumline. Fluoride treatments or desensitising agents may also be used to strengthen enamel and reduce nerve sensitivity. Where grinding is involved, a custom night guard can often make a huge difference by protecting teeth from ongoing pressure and wear, and for enamel wear, porcelain veneers can sometimes be fitted to protect the affected teeth.
If a tooth suddenly becomes much painful, begins throbbing, or starts reacting strongly to heat as well as cold, you should arrange an appointment with our Catford dentists as soon as possible. These symptoms can sometimes indicate inflammation or infection within the tooth itself.
In many cases, early assessment allows us to deal with problems before they become more serious.
Whether the issue is minor enamel wear, gum recession, grinding, erosion or something more complex, modern dentistry offers a range of ways to improve comfort and protect long-term oral health. If you have noticed increasing sensitivity, even if it seems mild at the moment, we would always encourage you to mention it during your appointment. If you need to make an appointment to discuss this, or indeed any other dental problem, with one of our team, please call the Rushey Green Dental Practice today on 020 8314 5066.
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