DR. RHODA ENTERO
MED INSIDER
JULY 16, 2023
Tooth Sensitivity
(Part 2)
We started our discussion of the topic, Tooth Sensitivity, last
week. We said that tooth sensitivity refers to a discomfort of
your tooth or teeth that’s due to pain that’s shooting, sharp,
and sudden but temporary.
Why does tooth sensitivity occur?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the enamel protecting a
tooth gets thinner and thinner, which can also result in
dental caries or cavities. This is the reason teeth whitening
or bleaching tends to cause tooth sensitivity, actually. The
bleaching process can get so strong that the enamel
becomes thin enough to make the teeth sensitive. It also
occurs because of gum recession or when the gums recede
from the tooth, resulting in the exposure of the tooth root
and dentin.
We have to remember that the enamel and the gums are
supposed to protect the dentin and the underlying tooth
pulp, nerves, and roots beyond that layer. The lack of
enamel exposes all these sensitive parts of the tooth, which
in turn makes them react in writhing pain. The pain from the
sensitive tooth typically reacts to food or drinks that are too
cold or too hot.
Teeth need nerves in order to help them grow, get nutrients
from the bloodstream, and gauge the temperature of what
you eat to see if it’s safe to eat or not. However, extra
sensitive teeth make it hard for you to eat anything hot or
cold that you can normally consume with normal teeth. You
can’t eat ice cream or coffee if you have tooth sensitivity or
at least it will be quite difficult to do so.
What are the signs and symptoms of tooth sensitivity?
It’s not only hot or cold food and drinks that affect your tooth
sensitivity. Very acidic and sweet dishes and beverages can
also make your sensitive teeth ache; the same goes for
breathing in cold air over your teeth. All of these things can
make your teeth ache if they’re sensitive or if they suffer
from sensitivity due to thinning enamel. Tooth sensitivity is a
condition that can come and go as time passes by.
You can suffer from temporary, sharp pain in your teeth due
to certain activities and circumstances such as brushing,
drinking, eating, and so forth. The pain usually quickly
disappears after the source of the pain is removed and the
ache itself settles down. Aside from exposed tooth roots
from receding gums and worn tooth enamel, the discomfort
one is feeling might originate from other factors such as
gum disease, a worn filling, a chipped or cracked tooth, or
cavity. (To be continued)