Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur and How Does It Go Away?

Tooth sensitivity generally develops in connection with problems such as tooth decay, dental sensitivity, enamel erosion, and teeth grinding, and can be brought under control once the cause is diagnosed.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

A stinging sensation, sharp pain, and discomfort in one or more teeth is referred to as tooth sensitivity, and it is generally mild; however, it can increase in severity depending on the underlying cause. Tooth sensitivity can stem from superficial problems or develop in connection with problems that reach the nerves of the tooth.

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Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur?

The underlying cause of tooth sensitivity may not be decay alone. The causes of tooth sensitivity are as follows:

• Erosion of tooth enamel: When the outermost protective layer of the tooth erodes, the dentin beneath is exposed, which is more sensitive.
• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism): Constant teeth clenching or grinding can cause erosion and sensitivity.
• Exposure of the dentin layer: Beneath the dentin layer, there are microscopic tubules extending to the nerves of the tooth. When the enamel erodes, the dentin is exposed and hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods cause tooth sensitivity.
• Tooth decay (cavity): Bacteria damage the tooth enamel and dentin layer, forming cavities, and as the cavities approach the nerve, sensitivity occurs.
• Fractures or cracks: Minor fractures or cracks in the tooth make the tooth more sensitive to external stimuli and cause tooth sensitivity.
• Gum recession and other gum diseases: When the gums recede, the root surface of the tooth may become exposed. Since there is no enamel on the root portion, the dentin tubules become directly exposed to external stimuli and tooth sensitivity occurs.
• Damaged or old fillings or dental work: Deterioration of a filling causes bacteria to seep inside the tooth.
• Acid erosion and consumption of acidic foods, reflux: Acidic foods or acid reflux can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
• Recent dental work or having recently had teeth cleaned: Treated teeth are sensitive in the first few days and can cause gum sensitivity.

How Does Tooth Sensitivity Go Away?

The treatment of tooth sensitivity depends on the underlying cause. Tooth sensitivity can be treated with the following methods:

• Painkillers or antibiotics: This is a preliminary treatment for tooth sensitivity caused by infection or decay. Once the infection is eliminated, the tooth decay must be treated.
• Dental filling or root canal treatment: Tooth decay or fractures in the tooth can be cleaned and sealed with a filling. Root canal treatment, which also involves the removal of the tooth nerves, is required for deeper decay.
• Night guards: Tooth sensitivity caused by teeth clenching or grinding can be reduced with the use of a night guard. The pressure on the tooth enamel is reduced with the guard placed on the teeth.
• Dental veneer: A dental veneer can be applied for persistent tooth sensitivity caused by erosion on the tooth surface.
• Desensitizing toothpaste: Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride block the dentinal tubules, reducing nerve stimulation and preventing sensitivity.
• Fluoride application: Fluoride can be applied to strengthen tooth enamel and protect the dentin surface.
• Using the correct brush: Brushing teeth with soft brushes instead of hard brushes reduces sensitivity in the gums.
• Avoiding very cold, very hot, or excessively acidic foods: Cold, hot, or acidic foods can increase tooth sensitivity and cause stinging.

What Is Good For Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can generally be reduced or brought completely under control with simple methods. Methods that are good for tooth sensitivity are as follows:

• Soft toothbrushes can be used.
• Desensitizing toothpastes can be preferred.
• A night guard can be used to avoid clenching or grinding teeth.
• A straw can be used when consuming very acidic beverages.
• Consuming very hot or very cold foods one after another should be avoided.
• Desensitizing and gum-repairing mouthwash can be used.
• Tooth decay should be treated with fillings, root canal treatment, or veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Sensitivity

How Many Days Does Tooth Sensitivity Last?

Tooth sensitivity has no set duration and may last a few days or continue for weeks depending on the underlying cause, and can decrease and increase.

Why Does Gum Sensitivity Occur?

Gum sensitivity can occur due to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, gum recession, incorrect tooth brushing, use of a hard toothbrush, plaque formation, or inadequate oral care.

Why Does a Tooth Ache When Pressed?

Stinging when a tooth is pressed may be caused by a tooth fracture, tooth crack, tooth decay, damaged filling, worn filling, abscess, teeth clenching, or teeth grinding.

Why Does a Non-Decayed (Healthy) Tooth Show Sensitivity?

A non-decayed tooth can show sensitivity for the following reasons:

• Exposure of the dentin layer due to enamel erosion
• Exposure of the root surface due to gum recession
• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
• Short-term sensitivity following procedures such as dental cleaning or whitening

Does Tooth Sensitivity Cause Stinging?

Yes, tooth sensitivity is one of the most common causes of tooth stinging. When the condition causing tooth sensitivity is eliminated, the stinging also subsides.

What Does It Mean When All Teeth Are Sensitive?

Sensitivity in all teeth is generally related to teeth clenching, teeth grinding, enamel erosion, gum recession, or inadequate dental hygiene, and when these problems are resolved, the sensitivity decreases or disappears entirely.

Why Does Persistent Tooth Sensitivity Occur?

Deep decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, gum recession, teeth clenching, a damaged filling, or a leaking filling can cause persistent tooth sensitivity, and the underlying cause can be diagnosed through a dentist's examination.

Does Tooth Sensitivity Go Away On Its Own?

Mild tooth sensitivity can go away on its own with simple methods and by maintaining oral hygiene; however, if there is an ongoing problem that requires treatment such as underlying decay, fracture, crack, teeth clenching, or infection, the tooth sensitivity will not go away on its own.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Increase with Heat Or Cold?

Sensitivity of the teeth to heat or cold is generally caused by enamel erosion. When the enamel erodes, the dentin tubules beneath are exposed and the tooth becomes more sensitive to stimuli such as cold and heat. The dentin tubules connect to the nerves, and hot-cold stimuli trigger the nerves, causing sensitivity.

Why Does Front Tooth Sensitivity Occur?

Front tooth sensitivity is a problem frequently seen particularly in the upper front teeth and most commonly develops due to causes such as exposure of the dentin layer, weakening of the enamel, or gum recession.

Why Does Stress Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Stress causes problems such as teeth clenching, teeth grinding, and dry mouth, leading to tooth sensitivity. In addition, the weakening of the immune system due to stress invites gum diseases, and gum diseases in turn give rise to tooth sensitivity.