Sudden, brief, transient pains in teeth can occur with hot foods, cold drinks, sugary substances, cold air, or sour substances. You get a sharp ache that drives down into the root of your tooth. It's very unpleasant.
Most of the time, this happens because the dentin is exposed due to the gum being pulled back. The dentin readily and rapidly sends a signal to the root where nerves are, and a shooting pain occurs.
WebMD provides a good list of what causes sensitivity in teeth:
- Wear and tear. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristledtoothbrush or grinding your teeth can wear down enamel and expose the dentin.
- Tooth decay near the gum line.
- Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gums pull back and expose the roots of your teeth.
- Damage. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria. The bacteria can enter the pulp, causing inflammation.
- Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose the dentin.
- Tooth-whitening products. These products may be major contributors to sensitive teeth.
- Age. Teeth are most sensitive between ages 25 and 30.
- Plaque buildup. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
- Long-term mouthwash use. Some over-the-counter products contain acids that can make sensitivity worse if your dentin is already exposed. Ask your dentist about a neutral fluoride solution.
- Acidic foods. Food and drinks with a high acid content, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can wear down enamel.
- Dental work. Teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, andtooth restoration can make teeth sensitive. This should go away in 4 to 6 weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your input, feedback, questions, and remarks are welcome. To prevent spam, comments are moderated, but not censored. You should see your comment published within 24 hours.