What does tooth sensitivity indicate? Causes and solutions
One of the most common complaints I hear from my patients is:
‘Doctor, my tooth is very sensitive; I can’t even eat fruit.’
In fact, this sentence is an important warning sign from our oral and dental health. Although tooth sensitivity is often perceived as a ‘minor’ issue, there is always an underlying cause. Here are the 5 most common causes of tooth sensitivity and the solutions I recommend:
Enamel Erosion: Hard brushing, acidic drinks, and using the wrong toothpaste thin the enamel. Cold-hot sensitivity begins. The solution involves using a medium-hard brush, sensitivity-reducing toothpaste, and proper brushing technique to largely control the problem.
Gum Recession: When gums recede, the root surface is exposed, and this area is very sensitive. The solution can be achieved through early-stage dental scaling and protective treatments. In advanced cases, we may need to apply gum treatments.
Hidden Cavities: Not all cavities are visible to the eye. They often manifest as pain, especially under old fillings. You may also have cavities in the contact surfaces between your teeth.
After detecting the decay with an X-ray, the problem is resolved with a small filling after the examination before it gets worse.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Teeth grinding, which occurs unnoticed at night, causes micro-cracks and sensitivity in the teeth. In such cases, a custom-made night guard, masseter Botox, and stress management are quite effective.
Worn Fillings or Crowns: A treatment that no longer fits the tooth can cause constant sensitivity.
The solution is to permanently resolve the problem with a properly planned, biologically compatible new generation ceramic filling or zirconium crown.
It should be remembered that tooth sensitivity is not a condition that can be put off with the thought that it will ‘go away’. Seeing a dentist early on prevents both pain and more extensive treatments. Teeth may not speak, but they tell us a lot through their sensitivity.