Sudden pain or discomfort while consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks are common signs of tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, it’s treatable and in this Ask A Dentist blog, we’ll be delving into its main causes and symptoms. 

If you’re looking for ways to treat your sensitive teeth, check out our previous blog on the topic. 

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Typically, your dentin (the area surrounding the nerve) is covered by your tooth enamel and the gums surrounding your tooth. Over time, the enamel can thin and your gums can recede, resulting in less protection while exposing your underlying dentin. 

The dentin contains tiny tubes that connect to the tooth’s nerve centre. When the dentin is exposed to hot, cold, sweet or acidic consumables, it results in a shocking pain. Moreover, your sensitive teeth can also have an exaggerated response to cold air and pressure from brushing your teeth, on top of consuming certain foods and drinks. 

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Various factors could lead to tooth sensitivity, but the two most common reasons are loss of enamel and gum recession. 

Enamel loss is caused by:

• Brushing too vigorously or too often
• Consuming too many acidic foods and drinks like sodas and fruit juices

Whereas, gum recession is caused by:

• Brushing using a hard-bristled toothbrush and injuring your gum tissue
• Bleeding gums, a common oral disease that causes gum recession
• Certain genetics that make you more susceptible to receding gums
• Smoking which can increase plaque build-up on your teeth and over time lead to gum recession

What Should I Look Out For?

You should always contact your dentist as soon as possible if your teeth are sensitive, especially if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Your teeth are sensitive to pressure
• Your tooth sensitivity doesn’t decrease even after using desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks
• The pain from tooth sensitivity lasts longer than an hour
• The gums around your sensitive teeth change colour

Our dentists at Dental Image Therapy Centres are here to help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your tooth sensitivity and come up with a treatment plan that works best for you. Feel free to schedule an appointment with us whenever your teeth feel sensitive. You can find our Winnipeg clinics located at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre.