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Exploring the Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

January 15, 2023
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Ashraf Dentistry weighs in on surprising causes of tooth sensitivity. (Source: Everyday Health, 12 Surprising Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity, By Madeline R. Vann, MPH, Medically Reviewed By Meeta Shah, MD, August 7, 2017, https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/sensitive-teeth/surprising-causes/ ).

Drinking a tall glass of iced tea or a hot cuppa coffee can be equally painful to those with sensitive teeth, and this is a surprisingly common problem across ages. One in eight people suffers from it, according to the Journal of American Dental Association. The American Academy of Endodontists terms this a ‘brief sensation’ that occurs when the layer beneath the tooth enamel is exposed to heat or cold. Many of us know that teeth become sensitive when the tooth enamel is eroded.

 

The factors

Ashraf Dentistry, an experienced dental team, shares the common causes of tooth sensitivity and solutions. Ashraf Dentistry reiterates that loss of the protective layer over the dentin is the chief cause. Ashraf Dentistry goes on to caution that there are some causative factors that most people do not know about. Stress is one such oft-overlooked cause of teeth sensitivity.

The dentist goes on to explain how stress can result in unintentional tooth grinding that strips the tooth of the enamel, leaving it sensitive. Teeth grinding often leads to other problems, including headaches. Ashraf Dentistry recommends a simple solution: a night guard to prevent grinding and clenching, protecting your teeth while you sleep.

Ashraf Dentistry also presents a rather unexpected solution to the problem- Botox Therapeutics. He affirms that Botox Therapeutics is used to address bruxism rooted in stress and not just for cosmetic purposes, as one would expect.

Apart from this, tooth sensitivity can also be aggravated by certain physiological and external factors. For example, the dentist points out that teeth can get highly sensitive when one has a sinus infection due to the sinuses’ inflammation. Even pregnant women often find their teeth extremely sensitive, thanks to the hormonal changes affecting the gums. The dentist elaborates that seasonal sensitivity is also a very real and common complaint. Cold winds can worsen it.

But what about the sensitivity encountered right after a visit to the dentist? Ashraf Dentistry explains that right after dental work, such as implants or cleaning and fillings, it is quite normal to experience teeth sensitivity for a short while. That said, Ashraf Dentistry advises relying on the dentist for teeth whitening instead of going for over-the-counter whitening products that can damage the enamel.

As Ashraf Dentistry elaborates, other conditions can lead to teeth sensitivity too. A common culprit is tooth decay that strips away enamel, leaving the underlying dentin vulnerable. This can even occur due to aggressive brushing with a brush that is too hard.

“Even what you eat can make your teeth sensitive or worsen sensitivity. For example, those who are in the habit of chewing on ice cubes often crack the protective enamel. You are also inadvertently stripping the enamel off if you drink citrus drinks or sports drinks too often”, Ashraf Dentistry warns, talking about good habits that can help ward off tooth sensitivity.

Among common diseases that can cause this issue, Ashraf Dentistry lists digestive disorders that cause corrosive stomach acids to come in contact with the teeth. That means any illness that causes excessive vomiting can provoke sensitivity. Of course, infected gums can also be a direct cause, with effective gum disease treatment resolving it quickly.

 

Regular visits to your dentist

It pays to visit your dentist regularly, Ashraf Dentistry recommends, to ensure that your teeth’ enamel is in good enough shape to keep sensitivity at bay. It is recommended to have the cleanings and fillings on time as well.

Are you experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!

Ready when you are

Lamine Diallo
Lamine Diallo
02:21 15 Jun 22
My family and I have been receiving care from Dr. Ashraf and his amazing team since we first moved to Waterloo in 2002. His assessment skills are spot on, he is gentle and is very skilled at working with anxious\nervous patients. My dental hygienist is Lin who is very knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. She is amazingly gentle yet very,very thorough when it comes to preventative dental care. She is didactic as well, taking the time to teach patients how to use certain equipment as well as addressing gingivitis in pro-active ways. We are in very capable hands.
Trisa Kapetaneas
Trisa Kapetaneas
18:12 01 Jun 22
I have been a patient here for over 2 years now and I've always enjoyed the experience. The staff are professional and have always made me feel comfortable. I recently had a cleaning done by Lynn for the first time and she was amazing! Will continue to visit for my checkups/cleanings.
Aamir Mirza
Aamir Mirza
14:54 03 May 22
Dr. Ashraf and his team is amazing. All work done under one umbrella for entire family. We all are very happy to be under the care for the last 20 plus years. Lin, dental hygienist is remarkable professional. She knows her job so well that I look forward to my cleaning every time I'm scheduled. Thank you Lin for your amazing work for my entire family!
Alena Delena
Alena Delena
14:50 02 May 22
My family loves Dr Ashraf. We've been through many dentists in many cities and he's by far our favourite one. He's always thorough and professional. His referrals are also of equal high caliber. I went to him for a root canal and a crown. I had many concerns and he addressed them all personally. He even went so far as to redo a root canal for me. Recommend.
Nicole Wood
Nicole Wood
15:31 28 Apr 22
I found Ashraf Dentistry a year ago and I absolutely love their dental clinic. Everyone is very kind and thorough. Lin is the best dental hygienist I've ever had! She takes the time to ensure I receive the care I need. Both dentists I've seen have also been very kind and wonderful at making me feel like my teeth are being taken care of. Highly recommend!
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