5 Reasons Why Tooth Sensitivity Should NOT be Ignored

5 Reasons Why Tooth Sensitivity Should NOT be Ignored

General Dentistry

As your Mississauga dentist, it is important that we provide you with the latest and most up to date information regarding how to keep your mouth healthy. Dental emergencies can cause significant discomfort. This is why it is important not to take the recommendations of your dentist lightly. The consequences of ignoring a cavity can be detrimental and lead to pain, discomfort and irreversible damage. As your Mississauga dentist, preservation of your teeth is our goal. We hope that you never encounter tooth sensitivity which oftentimes can lead to a dental emergency but if you do, it’s important to know what the symptoms are that you shouldn’t ignore.

# 1 Sensitivity Can be Indicative of Cavity

Dental sensitivity caused by a cavity occurs when the decay penetrates the tooth’s enamel and dentin (second layer of the tooth), leading to exposure of the inner nerves. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Enamel Erosion: The outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, is hard and protective. When a cavity forms, it starts eroding the enamel. This erosion can create tiny holes or pits in the enamel.
• Dentin Exposure: Beneath the enamel is a layer called dentin, which is more porous and less dense than enamel. Dentin contains tiny tubules that lead to the nerve center of the tooth (the pulp). When the enamel is compromised by a cavity, these tubules can become exposed.
• Nerve Irritation: Once the dentin is exposed, stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can travel through the tubules and irritate the nerves inside the tooth. This irritation causes the characteristic sharp pain or discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity.
• Pulp Involvement: If the cavity progresses further, it can reach the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. This can cause more severe pain and may lead to an infection or abscess if left untreated.

Symptoms of Sensitivity from Cavities

• Sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic
• Persistent toothache
• Visible holes or pits in the teeth
• Dark spots on the teeth
• Pain when biting down

Treatment

1. Fluoride Treatments: These can help remineralize and strengthen the enamel, reducing sensitivity in the early stages.
2. Dental Fillings: The most common treatment for cavities. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is filled with a resin material.
3. Crowns: For larger cavities or weakened teeth, a crown may be placed to provide additional protection and strength.
4. Root Canal Therapy: If the decay has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
5. Desensitizing Toothpaste: Special toothpaste can help block pain signals from the surface of the tooth to the nerve.

Prevention

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Professional cleanings and examinations to catch and treat cavities early.
• Healthy Diet: Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride applications or using fluoride-containing products.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to preventing cavities and the sensitivity they cause.

#2 Sensitivity can be Indicative of a Cracked Tooth

Dental sensitivity can also be caused by a cracked tooth. Here’s a detailed explanation of how a cracked tooth can lead to sensitivity and related issues:

• Crack Formation: A tooth can crack due to various reasons, such as trauma, biting down on something hard, grinding teeth (bruxism), or age-related wear and tear. The crack can range from a minor fracture to a more significant split.
• Exposure of Dentin and Nerves: Similar to a cavity, a crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth, including the dentin. Dentin is porous and contains tiny tubules that lead to the pulp, where the tooth’s nerves are located. When the crack extends into the dentin, stimuli like hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods can travel through these tubules, reaching the nerves and causing sensitivity or pain.
• Movement of Tooth Segments: When a tooth is cracked, the segments may move slightly when you bite or chew. This movement can irritate the pulp, leading to inflammation and pain. It can also cause a sharp, intermittent pain when chewing or releasing a bite.
• Infection Risk: If the crack extends deep into the tooth, bacteria can enter the pulp, leading to infection. This can cause more severe pain, swelling, and the development of an abscess.

Symptoms of Sensitivity from a Cracked Tooth

• Sharp pain when biting down or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Pain that comes and goes, especially when eating
• Swelling around the affected tooth
• Visible crack or fracture line on the tooth

Types of Cracks

1. Craze Lines: Small, superficial cracks in the enamel. These usually don’t cause pain or sensitivity and are mainly a cosmetic concern.
2. Fractured Cusp: A crack that typically occurs around a dental filling. It may not affect the pulp, causing less pain but requiring restoration.
3. Cracked Tooth: A crack that extends from the chewing surface toward the root. This type can affect the pulp and cause sensitivity and pain.
4. Split Tooth: A complete crack that splits the tooth into distinct segments. This usually requires extensive treatment or extraction.
5. Vertical Root Fracture: A crack that begins in the root and extends toward the chewing surface. These can be difficult to diagnose and may lead to infection.

Treatment

1. Bonding: For minor cracks, a dentist may apply a plastic resin to fill the crack and restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
2. Crown: A dental crown can cover and protect a cracked tooth, preventing the crack from worsening and reducing sensitivity.
3. Root Canal Therapy: If the crack has affected the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it. This can save the tooth and alleviate pain.
4. Extraction: In cases where the crack is severe and the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be required. The tooth can then be replaced with an implant, bridge, or denture.

Prevention

• Avoid Biting Hard Objects: Don’t chew on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from cracks.
• Use Proper Techniques: When playing sports, wear a mouthguard to prevent dental injuries.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist can help detect and address cracks early.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, being cautious with what you eat, and seeking prompt dental care if you suspect a cracked tooth are crucial steps to prevent and manage dental sensitivity

#3 Sensitivity can be Indicative of an Abfraction

Dental sensitivity can also be caused by abfraction, a condition that results in the loss of tooth structure, typically at the gum line. Here’s a detailed explanation of how abfraction causes sensitivity and related issues:

• Tooth Flexure: Abfraction is believed to occur due to the flexing of the tooth under pressure, usually from occlusal forces (the forces exerted when chewing or clenching). This flexing causes stress on the enamel and dentin at the gum line.
• Lesion Formation: The stress and flexure lead to the formation of small lesions or notches, typically V-shaped, at the gum line. These lesions are areas where the enamel and dentin have been worn away.
• Dentin Exposure: As the enamel is worn away, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. When exposed, these tubules allow stimuli (such as heat, cold, or acidic substances) to reach the nerve, causing sensitivity.

Symptoms of Sensitivity from Abfraction

• Sharp pain or discomfort when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks
• Visible V-shaped notches or lesions near the gum line
• Tooth sensitivity to brushing or touching
• Possible gum recession in the affected area

Causes of Abfraction

1. Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth, particularly at night, increases occlusal forces and can lead to abfraction.
2. Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven distribution of forces, leading to increased stress on certain teeth.
3. Chewing Habits: Habits like chewing on hard objects (pens, ice) or aggressive brushing can contribute to tooth wear and abfraction.
4. Aging: Natural wear and tear over time can contribute to the development of abfraction lesions.

Treatment

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste: Helps reduce sensitivity by blocking the pathways through the dentin tubules to the nerve.
2. Fluoride Treatments: Strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity. Fluoride varnish can be applied by a dentist.
3. Bonding: A composite resin can be applied to cover the exposed dentin and restore the tooth’s shape, protecting it from further wear and reducing sensitivity.
4. Occlusal Adjustment: Correcting the bite or occlusion can help reduce the forces causing abfraction. This might involve reshaping the teeth or using orthodontic treatment.
5. Night Guard: For patients who grind their teeth, a custom-made night guard can help prevent further damage by distributing the occlusal forces more evenly.

Prevention

• Proper Brushing Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing techniques to avoid further wear on the teeth.
• Manage Bruxism: Use a night guard if you grind your teeth, and seek treatment for stress or anxiety that might contribute to bruxism.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist can help monitor and manage abfraction lesions early.
• Healthy Diet: Avoid acidic foods and drinks that can exacerbate enamel wear.

Understanding and managing the causes of abfraction, alongside proper dental care, can help prevent and reduce sensitivity. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for diagnosing and treating abfraction early, preserving tooth structure, and maintaining oral health.

#4 Sensitivity can be Indicative of Attrition

Dental sensitivity can also be caused by attrition, which is the gradual loss of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact. Here’s a detailed explanation of how attrition causes sensitivity and related issues:

• Tooth-to-Tooth Contact: Attrition occurs when teeth grind against each other, usually due to habits like bruxism (teeth grinding) or normal mastication (chewing). This contact wears down the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth.
• Enamel Wear: As the enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is less dense than enamel and contains microscopic tubules that lead to the tooth’s nerve center.
• Dentin Exposure: Once dentin is exposed, stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can travel through the tubules to the nerves, causing pain or discomfort, which is experienced as sensitivity.

Symptoms of Sensitivity from Attrition

• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli
• Flattened or worn down tooth surfaces
• Shortened teeth
• Possible tooth fractures or chips
• Jaw pain or discomfort, especially in cases of bruxism

Causes of Attrition

1. Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth, especially at night, is a major cause of attrition.
2. Age: Natural wear and tear over time can lead to attrition.
3. Diet: Chewing on hard foods or substances can accelerate tooth wear.
4. Alignment Issues: Malocclusion or misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear and increase the risk of attrition.

Treatment

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste: Special toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity by blocking the pathways to the nerve.
2. Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
3. Dental Bonding: Applying composite resin to the worn areas can protect the exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity.
4. Crowns or Onlays: For more severe wear, crowns or onlays can restore tooth structure and protect the remaining tooth.
5. Occlusal Guards: Wearing a custom-fitted night guard can protect teeth from further wear due to bruxism.

Prevention

1. Manage Bruxism: Use a night guard and seek treatment for stress or anxiety that may contribute to teeth grinding.
2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist can help monitor tooth wear and catch problems early.
3. Proper Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent additional wear due to decay or erosion.
4. Dietary Choices: Avoid hard foods and substances that can cause additional wear on the teeth.
5. Correcting Misalignment: Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct bite issues and prevent uneven wear.

By understanding the causes and symptoms of attrition, as well as implementing appropriate treatments and preventive measures, dental sensitivity can be managed effectively. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the condition of your teeth and ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.

#5 Sensitivity can be Indicative of Erosion

Dental sensitivity can also be caused by erosion, which is the loss of tooth structure due to acid attack from external sources (extrinsic) or internal sources (intrinsic). Here’s a detailed explanation of how erosion causes sensitivity and related issues:

• Acid Exposure: Erosion occurs when teeth are exposed to acids from foods, drinks, or stomach acids. These acids can soften and dissolve the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth.
• Enamel Wear: As the enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. Dentin is more porous and less dense than enamel and contains microscopic tubules that lead to the tooth’s nerve center.
• Dentin Exposure: Once the dentin is exposed, stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can travel through the tubules to the nerves, causing pain or discomfort, which is experienced as sensitivity.

Symptoms of Sensitivity from Erosion

• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli
• Smooth, shiny surfaces on the teeth, especially along the gum line
• Cupping on the chewing surfaces of the teeth
• Yellowing of the teeth as the enamel thins and the dentin shows through
• Tooth transparency, particularly at the edges

Causes of Erosion

1. Extrinsic Sources:
   • Diet: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, sodas, sports drinks, and wine.
   • Environmental: Exposure to acids in the environment, such as chlorine in swimming pools.

1. Intrinsic Sources:
   • Desensitizing ToothpasteGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acids can enter the mouth and cause erosion.
   • Eating Disorders: Conditions like bulimia, where frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acids.
   • Medical Conditions: Conditions that cause frequent vomiting or acid reflux.

Treatment

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste: Helps reduce sensitivity by blocking the pathways to the nerve.
2. Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
3. Bonding: Application of composite resin to cover exposed dentin and restore the tooth’s shape.
4. Crowns or Veneers: For more severe cases, crowns or veneers can protect the tooth and restore its appearance.
5. Dietary Changes: Reducing intake of acidic foods and drinks can help prevent further erosion.
6. Medical Treatment: Treating underlying medical conditions like GERD or eating disorders to reduce acid exposure.

Prevention

1. Dietary Modifications:
   • Limit acidic foods and drinks.
   • Use a straw when drinking acidic beverages to minimize contact with teeth.
   • Rinse mouth with water after consuming acidic substances to neutralize acids.
2. Good Oral Hygiene:
   • Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing.
3. Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist can help monitor erosion and catch issues early.
4. Chewing Gum: Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids.
5. Managing Medical Conditions:
   • Seek treatment for GERD or other conditions that cause frequent acid exposure.
   • Follow medical advice to manage symptoms and reduce acid reflux or vomiting.

Understanding the causes of dental erosion and implementing appropriate treatments and preventive measures can help manage and reduce dental sensitivity. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and intervention, preserving tooth structure, and maintaining oral health.

As your Mississauga dentist, we hope we have provided you with the reasons why it is important not to ignore sensitivity and also adhere to the treatment plan provided by your dentist.  Diagnosed tooth conditions should be tended to unless your dentist has advised that it can be kept under observation.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.  We will be more than glad to assist you. Contact us at 905-278-4297 and let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!