Ever felt a sharp, sudden pain in your teeth that disappears just as quickly as it comes? Tooth sensitivity is a common issue, and it can happen for several reasons. Most of the time, it’s linked to an underlying dental problem, which means ignoring it isn’t a great idea. If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive, it’s best to see a dentist for a checkup. The cause might be more serious than you think.
Here are six dental issues 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 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 if you have tooth sensitivity.
2. Receding Gums
Gums protect the roots of your teeth, but when they start to recede, those roots get exposed. Unlike the enamel-covered parts of your teeth, roots are highly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. You might notice pain when drinking something hot or cold or even when brushing your teeth. Gum recession can happen due to aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, smoking, or simply genetics. If caught early, treatment can help prevent further damage.
3. Cracked or Fractured Teeth
If you have fractured a tooth, you may experience a severe toothache or teeth sensitivity. If you have chipped a small part of the tooth or have a vertical fracture, you may experience sudden short-term pain while consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. Nevertheless, you should visit your dentist and restore the damaged tooth since it can be more prone to tooth decay and dental abscess.
4. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess isn’t just a bad toothache—it’s a full-blown infection inside your tooth. Bacteria sneak in, and before you know it, there’s a pocket of pus building up, bringing intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity with it. You might also get a fever, awful breath, or a disgusting taste in your mouth. And here’s the scary part—if you ignore it, that infection won’t just stay put. It can spread to your jaw, your neck, and even your brain. This is not something to wait out. If you suspect a dental abscess, get to a dentist ASAP.
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 increased likelihood of tooth decay.
6. Loose or Damaged Fillings and Crowns
Fillings and crowns do their job—until they don’t. They wear down, loosen up, or sometimes just pop right off. And when that happens? Your tooth’s nerve endings get exposed, and suddenly, every bite feels like a shock. If you’re getting sharp pain when chewing, that’s your cue—it’s time to get that filling or crown checked out before things get worse.
The bottom line
If you have noticed your teeth become sensitive and you can’t eat or drink without pain, it’s high time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. It is essential to understand that only timely and professional treatment can help ease your symptoms and prevent further complications.
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