Tooth sensitivity can sneak up on any of us when we least expect it. One minute we’re enjoying an ice-cold drink or our first hot coffee of the day, and the next, we’re feeling that sharp, almost electric jolt shoot through our teeth. It’s uncomfortable, distracting and, for some, a daily occurrence. If you can relate to this, you’re not alone. According to research, around 1 in 8 people experience pain caused by tooth sensitivity on a regular basis.
But what actually causes it? And is there anything your dentist can do beyond recommending a sensitive toothpaste?
In this post, we’ll break down the most common tooth sensitivity causes, how dentists diagnose the problem, and what you can do to get lasting relief, not just a short-term fix.
So, What Is Tooth Sensitivity, Exactly?
Tooth sensitivity (also known as dentine hypersensitivity) is a short, sharp pain in response to a trigger, typically cold, hot, sweet, or acidic food and drinks, or even cold air. It occurs when the dentine (the layer beneath your enamel) becomes exposed.
The dentine contains tiny tubules that lead straight to the nerve inside your tooth. When it’s exposed, those little tubules act like straws, funnelling stimuli directly to the nerve endings. That’s what causes that all too familiar “zing.”
Great, but what triggers it? Here are 5 common causes…
1. Enamel Erosion
Let’s start with one of the most common culprits – enamel erosion.
Enamel is the hard outer shell that protects your teeth. While it may be the hardest substance in the human body, it isn’t invincible. Acidic food and drink, think citrus fruits, sparkling water, wine, or even frequent snacking, can gradually wear it away.
As the enamel thins, more of the sensitive dentine underneath becomes exposed.
Tip: To slow enamel erosion, try using a straw when drinking acidic beverages and avoid brushing straight after. Why? Because immediately after drinking, the enamel is temporarily softened and therefore more vulnerable to abrasion from your toothbrush.
2. Gum Recession
Another major cause of tooth sensitivity is gum recession. This is caused when gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the roots. Unlike the crowns of your teeth, the roots aren’t covered in enamel. That makes them far more reactive to temperature changes and other triggers.
Gum recession can result from:
- Overbrushing (too hard or with a hard-bristled brush)
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Ageing and
- Teeth grinding
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?”, especially near the gum line, gum recession may be to blame.
3. Cracked Teeth or Worn Fillings
A hairline crack in a tooth or an old filling that’s worn down can let external stimuli reach the nerve more easily. You might not see the damage in the mirror, but your nerves definitely feel it.
Cracks can be caused by:
- Trauma (e.g. biting down on something hard)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- General wear and tear
Sensitivity due to cracks typically shows up in one or two specific teeth rather than across your whole mouth.
Good to know: If a cracked tooth is left untreated, it may eventually lead to infection or require more invasive treatment, such as root canal therapy. So it pays to get it seen to by a dental professional.
4. Teeth Whitening (Especially at Home)
Tooth whitening treatments, especially those done at home, are incredibly popular because of their ease of accessibility. You only have to walk into your local pharmacy to be confronted by an array of whitening strips, gels and kits.
While the peroxide contained within teeth whitening products is designed to penetrate the enamel to break down staining, it can also irritate the dentine if you have thinning enamel, a cracked tooth or tooth decay.
This type of sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside within a few days of completing treatment. But sometimes it can persist. Alternatively, dentist-led whitening – e.g. those treatments that are supplied by or carried out by your dentist – fare better because they contain new, improved formulas designed to lessen sensitivity.
5. Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
You might not realise it, but if you clench or grind your teeth at night, you could be wearing down your enamel and increasing your risk of sensitivity.
Tooth grinding, known as bruxism, often goes unnoticed until a dentist spots flat chewing surfaces or signs of stress on your teeth and jaw. Over time, this friction can expose the dentine and lead to persistent discomfort.
Often, your dentist will recommend a custom night guard or explore other ways to reduce grinding, especially if it’s stress-related.
So that’s the 5 major tooth sensitivity causes…
But, What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The good news? Dentists have plenty of tools at their disposal to treat tooth sensitivity, and it’s not always as simple as switching toothpaste.
At-home options include:
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes
- Fluoride rinses to strengthen enamel
- Dietary changes – Less acid or sugar
In-clinic treatments include:
- Fluoride varnish or desensitising agents are applied chairside
- Bonding or composite sealing to cover any exposed dentine
- Periodontal treatment for gum recession
- Night guards for bruxism
- In some cases, root canal therapy if the nerve has become persistently inflamed
As you can see, your dentist can do a lot to prevent tooth problems, so it’s something you shouldn’t have to put up with.
When to See Your Dentist
If your tooth sensitivity:
- Lasts more than a week
- Worsens over time
- Is localised to one or two teeth
- Interferes with eating, drinking, or brushing
…then it’s time to see your dentist. There could be an underlying issue, like decay, fracture, or gum disease, that needs more than just a sensitive toothpaste to fix.
Final Thought: Sensitive Teeth Are Common, But Not ‘Normal’
Tooth sensitivity affects approximately 22 million people in the UK, but it shouldn’t be ignored or brushed off (pun intended). Most causes are treatable, and your dentist is best placed to pinpoint what’s really going on.
And if you’re a dental professional reading this and thinking, “I wish more of my patients understood these things,” well, that’s exactly where good content comes in.
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