4 Oral Issues That Can Make Your Teeth Sensitive

1. Tooth decay

Many people who have faced tooth sensitivity are sure that it is caused by tooth decay (cavities). Even though tooth decay is not the only cause of teeth sensitivity, it is a quite common one. The point is that tooth decay is one of the most common health issues that affect both children and adults. 

Cavities occur when the hard outer layer of the tooth called tooth enamel becomes worn out by bacteria. Inner layers of the tooth are quite sensitive. So the tooth can become painful when you eat, drink, or even inhale cold air. If the cavity is small, it can be treated with the help of a dental filling while large cavities may require root canal procedures or dental crowns. 

2. Gum recession

Gum recession is a condition when gums shrink and expose the bottom of your teeth and the roost of the teeth. As a result, your teeth may look longer. Since receding gums expose the roots of the tooth that don’t have a thick protective layer, you may experience increased teeth sensitivity. There are a lot of factors that can cause gum recession. The most common of them are:

• Poor oral hygiene

• Aggressive tooth brushing

• Smoking and other kinds of tobacco use

• Gum disease

• Hormonal changes

• Heredity

If left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth loss since when gums pull back, your teeth may lose support. If you want to save your teeth, it is better to contact a dentist in time. 

3. Enamel erosion

Enamel erosion is a condition that occurs when tooth enamel becomes thin and worn out. In most cases, this condition affects the elderly since tooth enamel removes with age. However, the following factors can also cause enamel erosion:

• Teeth grinding

• Aggressive tooth brushing

• Poor oral hygiene 

• Increased consumption of sweets and acidic foods and drinks

• Acid reflux

• Bulimia

When your tooth enamel becomes thin or completely removed, you may develop increased teeth sensitivity. Unfortunately, tooth enamel can’t grow back but you can help protect your teeth from further damage with the help of dental bonding, veneers, or dental crowns. 

4. Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a condition in which a collection of pus forms inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. This condition can be caused by poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweets, and dry mouth. The sac with the pus develops when the infection gets inside of the tooth. The most common symptoms of a dental abscess include:

• Severe toothache

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Fever

• Swelling in your face or cheek

• Bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth

It is extremely important to contact a dentist right after the onset of the aforementioned symptoms. In some cases, a sac can rupture and pus may either come out or spread to your jaw and neck.

The bottom line

It is essential to understand that tooth sensitivity can be caused by quite severe oral issues. That’s why it is better to contact a dentist to undergo a thorough examination and proper treatment.