Tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable. It can affect your life style and how you perform in your daily routines. In our bodies, we have a layer of soft tissue which protect the nerves, however the nerves in our mouths are exposed. Painful sensations in a patients mouth can be experienced when the hard outer covering of the tooth no longer protects the underlying nerves and sensitive tissues.
What is Tooth Sensitivity
The nervous system can be visualized as the body’s internal electrical system. It is made up of nerves and neurons. Our nervous system correlates pain responses to protect an individual from harm. It also helps regulate movements. Since pain is not a common feeling, it typically indicates there is a problem in the body and it requires attention. This is also true for the mouth as pain indicates an issue with your oral health. When a patient experiences tooth sensitivity, it may be an indication that they need to see a dentist for treatment.
What Conditions Cause Teeth to be Sensitive?
There are several reasons why a patient might feel tooth pain during daily activities such as eating and brushing. If you’re experience any type of tooth pain, contact our Danforth dental office to schedule an appointment. Diagnostic testing, occasionally combined with dental x-rays can help identify which tooth or teeth are causing tooth sensitivity.
Dentin Hypersensitivity
Teeth have three layers, the outer enamel, the dentin underneath and the tooth pulp. Dentin hypersensitivity can occur when the tooth enamel wears down and the dentin gets exposed. Patients may be experiencing dentin hypersensitivity when a sharp pain is felt at the exposed site of the tooth. This can occur when consuming cold food, drinks and a reaction to the bristles from the toothbrush. The most common reason for dentin hypersensitivity is receding gums from gingivitis. Patients with gingivitis are at risk of tooth’s roots being exposed.
Inflammation of Tooth Pulp
Within each tooth mix of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that supply the tooth with blood and nutrients. In the event that bacteria get inside the tooth, it infects the healthy tissue which leads to an infection. Patients experience this problem when cavities have reached the inner layers of the tooth. The tooth pulp can also be exposed due to trauma, which then becomes infected. This condition where the tooth pulp is inflamed is called pulpitis.
Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis is a lesion that is formed around the roof of the patients tooth. Inflammation can happen suddenly or it can become a persistent problem after bacteria gets into the tooth pulp. Patients experience this problem when a cavity is not treated or when the nerve dies because of an injury at the tooth. When the nerve dies the sensitivity can decrease however patients will still typically feel pain and sensitivity until that point. Apical periodontitis is usually caused by another issue in the tooth. If left untreated, the surrounding bone can be damaged. Signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis are swelling, pain and discoloration of the affected tooth. Dental X-rays are often used to diagnose Apical periodontitis in patients.
Periodontal Abscess
Gum inflammation and infection of the tooth can result in tooth sensitivity. Swelling seen around the affected tooth and a lesion on the gums are clear indications of an abscess. Symptoms of a periodontal abscess are bad taste, bump on the gums that look like a pimple, redness, and pain. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs around the gums and the tooth if the pulp is impacted. Treating an abscess may require dental surgery and antibiotics to clear the infection. Your dentist may also recommend a tooth extraction or other treatment for the main tooth problem.
Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Some common tooth problems cause long-term tooth sensitivity issues, there are also many other oral health issues that can cause discomfort. Some other causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Tooth decay
- TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
- Gum recession
- Over-the-counter dental bleaching or tooth whitening treatments
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
