What Causes Sensitive Teeth

Some of the causes of sensitive teeth are:

- Gum Recession-gum tissue that surrounds the tooth wears away or pulls back and exposes the root of the tooth. Tooth sensitivity is usually the first sign of gum recession. You may also notice a tooth with a receding gum line looks longer than normal.

- Gum disease-bacterial inflammation of the gingival tissues the gum line may cause gum recession. The exposed root surface of the tooth is susceptible to tooth sensitivity triggered by hot or cold food and drinks. 

-Tooth Decay-deep cavity of the tooth exposes the nerves in the center of the tooth (dental pulp) and can contribute to sensitivity. 

- Cracked/Chipped Teeth- Dentinal tubles (dentin) can become exposed due to tooth damage from a chip or a crack of the tooth.

-Brushing too hard- this is common cause of sensitive teeth. Brushing too hard may cause enamel loss and exposes the dentinal tubles (dentin) to outside stimuli and triggers sensitivity.

-Teeth grinding or teeth clenching-enamel loss or worn down enamel is commonly caused by teeth grinding or clenching. The loss of enamel exposes the dentinal tubles to outside stimuli and triggers teeth sensitivity. 

-Acidic Food-regular consumption of foods with a high acidic content such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, and sports & energy drinks can cause enamel loss and trigger teeth sensitivity.

-Teeth whitening products-A small percentage of people who use the whitening products for teeth bleaching experience temporary teeth sensitivity due to irritation from the chemical in the whitening products.

-Recent dental procedures-teeth sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, tooth restorations (fillings), crown preparation and cementation. The sensitivity is temporary and should subside in a few days or weeks.