Ever taken a sip of an icy drink or a bite of hot food and felt a sudden zing shoot through your tooth? If so, you’re not alone. That uncomfortable sensation, often described as a sharp pain, is one of the telltale signs of tooth sensitivity. So, what causes tooth sensitivity? In this article, we’ll break down the most frequent causes of sensitive teeth, how they occur, and the steps you can take to treat or prevent the discomfort.
Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity, or dentine hypersensitivity, happens when the protective layers of your teeth become compromised. Under the tooth enamel is the dentin layer, made up of tiny tubules that connect directly to the tooth’s nerve endings. When this dentin is exposed, sensations from hot foods, cold foods, sweet foods, or acidic drinks can reach the nerves more easily, triggering discomfort or pain.
Worn Enamel: The Frontline Defender
Enamel erosion is one of the primary reasons behind tooth sensitivity. Your enamel acts as a shield, protecting the more sensitive inner layers. When enamel becomes thin or worn, it leaves the underlying dentin vulnerable.
Common causes of enamel erosion include:
Brushing your teeth too hard or using an abrasive toothpaste
Regular consumption of acidic foods or citrus fruits
Frequent intake of acidic drinks like soft drinks or wine
Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
Age-related wear
If your tooth enamel has thinned, even breathing in cold air can make your teeth sensitive.
Gum Recession and Exposed Root Surfaces
Gum recession is another frequent cause of sensitive teeth. As the gum tissue recedes, it exposes the root surfaces that lack enamel protection. These root surfaces contain the dentin and its direct connection to the nerve, so they’re highly reactive to outside stimuli.
What leads to gum recession?
Gum disease or periodontitis
Overzealous brushing with a hard-bristled brush
Tobacco use
Genetics or ageing
Using the right brushing technique and opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush can help protect your gum tissue from further damage.
Tooth Decay and Worn Fillings
Tooth decay is another key contributor to teeth sensitivity. Cavities break through the tooth enamel, creating access for irritants to reach the nerves. Similarly, worn fillings or broken teeth can cause the same issue.
If a worn filling has gaps or cracks, or if you have cracked teeth, cold air or food can seep in and irritate the underlying dentin, leading to sharp, localised tooth pain.
Recent Dental Work? That Might Be the Cause
Sensitivity following a recent dental procedure, such as a filling, crown, or teeth whitening treatment, is quite normal. The teeth may react for a few days or even a couple of weeks after the procedure. This usually settles with time, but if the sensitive tooth continues to hurt or worsens, it’s important to get it checked by your dentist.
Teeth whitening, in particular, is known for temporarily causing sensitivity, especially if the tooth enamel is already weakened.
Cracked Teeth or Broken Teeth
A cracked tooth may lead to sudden, intermittent tooth pain, particularly during chewing or when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. These cracks can let external stimuli reach the nerves, potentially causing more serious dental problems if not addressed. Similarly, broken teeth from injury or biting something hard can expose the inner, more sensitive parts of the tooth.
Acidic and Sweet Foods: A Hidden Culprit
If you enjoy citrus fruits, acidic foods, acidic drinks, or sweet foods, they could be causing sensitivity over time. These substances can weaken enamel and increase the risk of tooth wear, leading to increased cold sensitivity and discomfort.
Is It Just One Tooth or All?
Sometimes teeth sensitivity is localised to a single tooth, while in other cases, it affects multiple teeth. A sensitive tooth might point to a specific problem like a cracked tooth, tooth decay, or a worn filling. Generalised dental sensitivity is often linked to enamel erosion, gum disease, or poor oral habits.
How to Strengthen and Protect Your Teeth
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce sensitivity and protect your smile:
Brush with fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel
Use desensitising toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
Avoid abrasive toothpaste and brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Limit intake of acidic foods, acidic drinks, and citrus fruits
Wear a customised nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and early detection of problems
When to Seek Help from a Dental Professional
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth sensitivity, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. While some discomfort is temporary, ongoing sensitive teeth may indicate more serious problems such as:
Cracked teeth
Tooth decay
Gum infections
Failing dental work
Exposed root surface
In more advanced cases, your dentist might suggest professional treatments such as fluoride treatments, bonding agents, or even a gum graft to cover exposed areas and reduce dental sensitivity.
Final Thoughts: Listen to What Your Teeth Are Telling You
Tooth sensitivity is more than a minor discomfort; it is often a sign that something in your mouth needs attention. Whether it’s weakened tooth enamel, gum recession, or a cracked tooth, identifying the causes of tooth sensitivity early on is the key to managing and preventing further discomfort.
Taking simple steps like improving your brushing technique, using the right toothpaste, and seeing your dentist regularly can make a big difference. With proper care, your smile can stay healthy, comfortable, and free of that unwanted zing.
