Why are my Teeth Suddenly Sensitive and What Can I do About it?
If you have problems with tooth sensitivity, you’re in good company. It’s estimated that 40 million Americans experience the sharp pain associated with sensitive teeth when biting down on cold food, sipping a hot beverage, or enjoying a sweet, juicy orange for breakfast. For some, even exposure to cold air can cause stinging tooth discomfort.
Dr. Ramesh Sunar is a top-rated dentist and endodontic specialist who provides expert care for tooth sensitivity at his thriving practice, Charlotte Root Canal Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read what he has to say about tooth sensitivity, what it might indicate about your oral health, and how to get rid of your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of tooth sensitivity?
If you have tooth sensitivity, you may experience sharp, sudden tooth pain that travels deep into your jaw when:
Drinking hot or cold beverages
Eating hot or cold foods
Consuming particularly sweet foods such as a square of chocolate
Enjoying acidic foods or beverages, such as a glass of tomato juice or serving of grapefruit
Some individuals also note discomfort with routine oral home care such as brushing their teeth or rinsing with mouthwash. Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, your symptoms may appear suddenly and occur only occasionally or accompany every sip or bite of a triggering substance.
While tooth sensitivity may seem more of a nuisance than a serious issue initially, it’s often a symptom of an underlying problem that may only worsen with time.
What causes sudden tooth sensitivity?
There are many issues that can cause your teeth to become sensitive, which may or may not be obvious at first glance and could be related to one or several conditions. Some of the more common reasons for the syndrome include:
Decay or cavities
Tooth fractures or cracks
Gum disease
Worn tooth enamel
Old and worn fillings
Root exposure
Excess plaque or tartar buildup
Certain habits often lead to these issues, including:
Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
Crunching down on very hard foods, even ice cubes, that lead to microfractures or cracks in your teeth
Poor oral hygiene
Forceful brushing or use of a hard-bristle toothbrush
Lack of routine dental care
Excessive teeth whitening
A diet high in acidic foods and beverages
Many of the issues that lead to tooth sensitivity can be quickly resolved with simple treatments when caught early.
What are the treatments for sudden tooth sensitivity?
Your treatment starts with a thorough exam to identify the cause of the sensitivity. An exam typically includes dental X-rays to assess the health of the parts of your teeth that you can’t see, such as the dentine, pulp, and root canal. Dr. Sunar also examines your gums to monitor for signs of gum disease and check for tartar buildup at and below the gumline.
He asks about your diet and oral hygiene habits. Because bruxism is often an involuntary action that occurs while you’re sleeping, Dr. Sunar may ask about morning headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms that can signal teeth grinding.
Once he’s identified the issue causing your sensitivity, treatment may include:
A customized mouthguard to help prevent bruxism
Sealant to protect tooth enamel
Repair of a cavity or worn filling
Root canal to disrupt nerve sensitivity
Plaque and tartar removal
Desensitizing toothpaste
Fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel
Treatment for gum disease
You don’t have to live with the stinging pain of sensitive teeth. Schedule a visit with Dr. Sunar today to find out what’s causing your sudden tooth sensitivity and how you can get rid of it. Call the Charlotte Root Canal Center or book your appointment online.