Discomfort in the teeth is caused by hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or drinks or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp or sudden. When underlying layer of your teeth – dentin is exposed to such food or substance it causes tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth decay near the gum line
- Gum diseases
Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the foot surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
- Recession of the gums
As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease or toothbrush trauma, the root surface becomes exposed.
- Tooth grinding
This may cause sensitivity due to wear of enamel and subsequent exposure of underlying dentin.
- Cracked teeth
Broken teeth leads to creation of plaque and that causes tooth sensitivity
Treatment for sensitivity
Choice of treatment usually depends upon the cause of tooth hypersensitivity.
- Thorough professional cleaning of teeth to remove plaque
- Application of fluoride varnishes to the exposed root surfaces
- Application of bonding agent to the exposed root surfaces
- Tooth colored fillings to restore abrasions or erosions
- Veneers
- Gum grafting surgery to restore receding gum line