6 Dental Problems That Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 121
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Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that many people deal with at some point in their lives. It often shows up as a sharp or sudden pain when you eat something cold, hot, or sweet. Sometimes the pain is mild and temporary, but in other cases, it can be more intense and long-lasting. If your teeth feel sensitive, it's a good idea to see a dentist and figure out what’s causing it.

To help you understand what might be going on, here are six dental problems that can lead to increased tooth sensitivity.

1. Cavities
Cavities, also known as tooth decay and caries, are extremely common in both children and adults. Tooth decay develops when acids that are produced by bacteria soften and eat away at your tooth enamel. As a result, your tooth develops a hole that exposes the sensitive layers of the tooth. When you eat, drink, or breathe, an affected tooth may become sensitive. That’s why it is better to contact a dental office in the case of tooth sensitivity.

2. Receding Gums
Gum recession happens when your gums pull back from the teeth, which exposes the ...
... root surface. Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is covered by enamel, the roots are not as well protected and can be much more sensitive to hot or cold.

There are several things that can cause gum recession: brushing too hard, gum disease, smoking, or even genetics. If your teeth look longer than they used to or you’re feeling discomfort near the gumline, your dentist can help you figure out what's causing the recession and how to manage it.

3. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
A cracked or chipped tooth can also make your teeth more sensitive. Even small cracks in the enamel can expose the inside layers of the tooth, which can lead to pain when you chew or drink something cold.

Tooth injuries can happen from biting something hard, grinding your teeth, or getting hit in the mouth. If you’ve noticed a sudden sensitivity in one specific area, especially after an injury, you should get it checked right away. A small fracture can turn into a bigger problem if it’s left untreated.

4. Dental Abscess
An abscess is an infection at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum. It usually forms because of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a crack in the tooth. Abscesses are painful and can cause swelling, sensitivity, bad breath, and sometimes fever.

This is a serious dental issue that needs quick treatment. If left alone, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Your dentist may need to drain the abscess and possibly perform a root canal or remove the tooth, depending on how severe it is.

5. Worn-Down Enamel
Even though tooth enamel is quite strong, it can wear out due to various factors. The most common of them include:
- Aging
- Teeth grinding
- Poor oral hygiene
- Increased consumption of acidic foods and drinks
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Lip or tongue piercing
- Acid reflux
- Eating disorders (bulimia)

When tooth enamel becomes too thin, it can lead to tooth discoloration, cracks, and chips on the surface of the tooth, increased tooth sensitivity, shiny spots, and an increased likelihood of tooth decay.

6. Loose or Damaged Fillings and Crowns
Fillings and crowns are designed to repair and protect damaged teeth, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear out, become loose, or even fall off. When that happens, the exposed part of the tooth becomes vulnerable to sensitivity and pain.

If you notice sensitivity in a tooth that was previously treated, or if a filling or crown feels loose, it’s time to visit the dentist. Fixing or replacing the restoration can relieve the discomfort and prevent further problems.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)