Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession happens, exposing the underlying surface, the dentin, therefore, lowering the protection the enamel and gums supply to the tooth and root.
Symptoms of Gum Sensitivity
If hot, cold, sweet or extremely acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful, then you might have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can reoccur over time.
The gums are often an ignored part of your oral health regimen. Although you might brush frequently and see your dental expert for set up examinations, your teeth generally take the program. Even when you notice your gums ache or swollen, you may mistake the pain for a cavity. However gum health is very crucial, and need to be made a top concern when caring for your oral health. After all, this tissue is trusted to secure your teeth and keep them healthy, and while periodontal disease is the culprit in most cases, sensitive gums can be a symptom of other oral irritants, too.
Swelling and tenderness are typically signs of gingivitis, however it’s not the only condition that can leave your gums feeling less than robust. It’s easy to understand to presume tender gums are the result of gingivitis, but this isn’t always the case. When your gums end up being sensitive to cold and hot– or swollen and sore after applying moderate pressure (when brushing your teeth, for example)– gingivitis is simply among the possible causes. Consider your symptoms to see if it’s the result of one of the following surprising causes of sensitive gums:
1. Brushing Too Hard
Some people’ gums can be conscious pressure, particularly when experiencing gum disease, so brushing too tough or utilizing an extremely abrasive toothpaste can leave them feeling irritable. You don’t need a stiff toothbrush to get a great tidy; rather, it has to do with method. Consider a soft-bristled toothbrush , which uses softer bristles and polishing cups that permit you to focus on brushing more gently. Massage your gums in backward and forward movements rather than brush roughly to eliminate bacteria that might have already calcified into tartar (which requires dental assistance). And, if you do discover your toothpaste aggravates your gums, consider one made specifically for sensitive mouths.
2. Hormone Modifications
Think it or not, changes in your hormones can actually lead to sensitive gums as well. Gums end up being more sensitive, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), since hormonal agent variations– such as those typical during pregnancy – can change the method your body interacts with the bacteria you introduce to your mouth. This can result in gum and tooth decay, so it is essential to see your dentist as scheduled during pregnancy, and discuss any modifications in oral health to your OB/GYN to avoid enduring damage.
3. Food or Home appliance Inflammation
Particular acidic foods and new oral home appliances can leave your gums feeling sensitive and sore, respectively. Acidic foods, in specific, can cause irritation and even noticeable sores on the tender tissue of the gumline. Canker sores as well as gums that are recessed can be an unfortunate side-effect to consuming things like citrus fruit, soda and sweet brand names of yogurt in excess. Therefore, attempt getting rid of acidic foods from your diet, and see if your level of sensitivity disappears over the next few days. The same goes for oral home appliances: Braces, retainers, dentures and mouth guards can all tug at your gumline, leaving it additional tender if they have actually temporarily exposed more sensitive underlying tissue. In some cases, this sensitivity will go away as your mouth adapts to the device. If your gums continue to hurt, however, see your dentist or orthodontist to guarantee the right fit with less sensitivity.
Gum disease is typically the factor for periodontal pain, but it’s not constantly the factor for your sensitivity. Gums that are sensitive without bleeding might be aiming to inform you a different story. Prior to associating the pain to gingivitis, think about some of the other causes– you may be surprised at which of your routines could be causing sore gums.
Gum Sensitivity Between Teeth
In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel secures the crowns of your teeth – the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Below both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and consists of microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may likewise be exposed when gums decline. The result can be gum hypersensitivity between teeth.
Sensitive teeth can be dealt with. The type of treatment will depend upon what is triggering the sensitivity.
Why are my gums and teeth so sensitive to different tempteratures?
Question#1: I am a college student and I have perfect teeth. Lately, it appears that my teeth have become extremely sensitive to different temperature levels. If something is too hot or too cold, it makes my teeth injured. I attempted using one of those “sensitive” toothpaste brands, but absolutely nothing seems to work. How did this occur to me so suddenly, and what can I do to repair the problem?
Answer: You must talk with your dentist, as sensitive teeth may be an indicator of tooth disease. Sensitive teeth occur when the protective hard layer of the tooth wears down, exposing the sensitive nerves beneath. This can occur either through trauma to the teeth (by grinding them, cracking, or cracking), through cavities (cavities) or through gum disease, where the gums at the base of the teeth withdraw enabling the softer tooth parts below them to be exposed.
Assuming you have had regular dental care and cavities are not the primary issue, then what is going on most likely has something to do with your gums. This could be related to an inflammation of the gums, maybe due to not regular adequate flossing or brushing. On the other hand, if you have not had a dental cleaning in a while, plaque accumulation may be contributing. Often, extreme use of whitening items or whitening tooth pastes can directly erode the hard protective part of the teeth, leading to sensitivity.
I suggest getting in to see your dental expert as quickly as possible, as they will have the ability to help you figure out what is going on. In the meantime, you may wish to change to a ‘sensitive teeth’ brand of tooth paste.
Why are my teeth and gums suddenly so sensitive to consuming foods of any temperature?
Question #2: I am a 21 years of age mom of one. After I got a cavity filled, I was notified I would experience some sensitivity to cold foods for a few days. It has actually now been 3 months and I still experience extreme sensitivity to hot foods, colds foods, sweet foods, and salty foods– any and whatever. Is this normal? Should I consult my dental expert? I am not taking any medications, nor do I have any history of severe dental problems.
Answer: You ought to certainly see your dental expert. Tooth and gum sensitivity happens when nerve roots are exposed from under the difficult protective covering of the tooth. This prevails with cavities, as the bacteria release digestive enzymes that ruin the tooth substance and expose the nerve roots, leading to cold or warm or sweet level of sensitivities.
This need to go away when the cavity is filled, and if it has not this might recommend that there is ongoing infection under the filling or that the filling is loose and permitting air and other compounds to enter. To puts it simply, your dental expert might need to re-do the filling.
If you are experiencing more generalized tooth sensitivity (not just restricted to the one included tooth), then their are some other possibilities. These might consist of a general erosion of the tooth protective covering because of acidic foods, acid reflux, or extreme use if whitening item or whitening tooth pastes. Gum disease or gingivitis can also cause generalized tooth sensitivity by triggering exposure of the sensitive bases of the teeth.
In either case, the first step is to discuss what is going on to your dental professional and see what possible causes and treatment options they may suggest to you.