Is your teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth can be quite painful and can mean anything from a mild twinge to a severe throb that can continue for hours. It can also be an early sign of more serious dental problems.

Types of tooth sensitivity and causes

As you have probably experienced firsthand, there are different kinds of tooth sensitivities as well as different intensities of pain. Sensitivity to sweet or acidic food, and temperature sensitivity (cold and/or hot) are the most common complaints of tooth sensitivity, whereas biting sensitivity (pain anytime you bite into anything) usually signals a more serious underlying cause that requires immediate dental treatment.

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, many of which are reversible if treated early:

1. Brushing too hard

Professional advice states that adults and children should change their toothbrush every 3 months. So if your brush is looking worn out too soon, you are probably brushing way too hard. There's actually a term for this overzealous brushing: Toothbrush abrasion. Brushing the sides of the teeth vigorously can wear away protective enamel near the gum line, which exposes the inner nerve-containing tissue of the teeth called dentin. This receding of the gum tissues, called gingival (gum recession), is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

What to do: Get a soft- to medium-bristled toothbrush and a desensitizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and brush gently and avoid brushing side-to-side. If there's no improvement after a few weeks, it's best to consult your dentist.

2. Gum disease

Another major cause that can result in the gum tissue shrinking back from the teeth is gum disease (periodontal disease). As plaque or tartar builds up due to inadequate brushing or flossing, gingivitis or inflammation of the gums can occur. Over time, gingivitis can lead to gum recession which exposes the root of the teeth and causes sensitivity. You can spot gum inflammation rather easily -- swelling and soreness of the gums, and bleeding while you're brushing or flossing.

What to do: Get into the habit of brushing at least twice a day, and floss your teeth daily.

3. Dental erosion

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity may also signal dental erosion -- which is just a fancy name for tooth decay. In early tooth decay, the outer enamel is worn away, exposing the dentine underneath which can lead to sensitivity.

What to do: If you suspect you have a cavity, go let your dentist take a look.

4. Tooth grinding

If you have a habit of clenching and grinding your teeth together (bruxism), the constant friction can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive. Bruxism is often related to stress, and most often done unconsciously at night during sleep.

What to do: Break the habit now. If you can't, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night.

5. Overexposure to tooth bleaching

If you have used a tooth bleaching product recently, this may explain your tooth sensitivity, which usually lasts temporarily. If you have been using tooth bleach for long periods of time, especially one that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, your enamel may have worn away.

What to do: Ask your dentist for de-sensitising products to help relieve the symptoms.

6. Cracked tooth or filling

If your tooth is cracked, you can experience biting sensitivity (percussion sensitivity) which is a condition whereby pain occurs when you bite into anything. Biting sensitivity is a serious condition and you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Other possible causes for biting sensitivity include: loose filling, gum infection, infection at the root.

What to do: Seek dental treatment as soon as possible.