My Teeth Feel Sensitive! Why Is Treatment Needed? (Causes)

Hello.

This is E-Comfort Dental Clinic.

Have you ever experienced a sudden, sensitive, aching feeling in your teeth when a cold wind blows or when you drink a cool beverage? Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom. Because it is so common, many people tend to dismiss it as only a temporary issue.

However, if tooth sensitivity repeats or continues in only a specific area, it may be a situation that requires treatment. Many patients come to the dental clinic and say, "My teeth feel sensitive!"

So today, we’d like to talk in detail about tooth sensitivity. If you’re curious about why tooth sensitivity occurs and what situations require treatment, please stay with us until the end.

'My teeth feel sensitive!'

Why do teeth feel sensitive?

Do you know why tooth sensitivity occurs? It has to do with the tissue inside the tooth. The outer surface of the tooth is covered by hard enamel. Beneath that is dentin. Dentin contains tiny channels called dentinal tubules, and these channels are connected to the pulp.

So when an external stimulus affects the dentin, the stimulation is transmitted through the dentinal tubules to the nerves, causing sensitivity. In other words, sensitivity occurs when the dentin inside the tooth becomes exposed. So what causes dentin to become exposed?

One common cause is wear. When the tooth surface wears down due to habits such as clenching, teeth grinding, or incorrect brushing habits, sensitivity may occur.

Tooth sensitivity can also appear when cavities develop. When a cavity forms, the tooth surface is eroded, which leads to sensitivity. In addition, when gum inflammation causes the gums to recede and expose the tooth root, this can also be one of the causes of tooth sensitivity.

Should treatment be done?

Tooth sensitivity is a very common symptom. Sensitivity can also occur after scaling or teeth whitening, but this is a natural reaction and gradually disappears over time. However, there are also cases of sensitivity that should not be left untreated.

If only a specific tooth remains sensitive and pain is also present, treatment is necessary. In addition, if the sensitivity is so severe that brushing becomes difficult, this is also a situation that requires treatment.

Also, when sensitivity gradually worsens, when an area with old restorations feels sensitive, and when tooth fracture is suspected or teeth grinding is severe, it is important to identify the cause of the sensitivity through an examination.

How can it be prevented?

Feeling tooth sensitivity means that the protective layer of the tooth has disappeared or that part of the tooth has been damaged. Therefore, if you protect your teeth from刺激 in daily life, it is possible to prevent sensitivity. First, it is important to prevent damage to the teeth caused by brushing.

It is best to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and instead of scrubbing hard side to side, brush gently by sweeping up and down. In addition, after visiting the dental clinic and receiving an examination, using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can also help.

Along with this, habits such as teeth grinding and clenching should be improved because they can cause tiny cracks or wear on the tooth surface, and if necessary, wearing a device to help prevent teeth grinding is recommended.

Lastly, proper gum care is important. When the gums recede, dentin becomes exposed to the outside. Therefore, to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, it is a good idea to visit the dental clinic regularly for scaling, and if you have gum disease, receive treatment after an examination.

Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom, but if left untreated, you never know what kind of serious oral problem it may develop into. Therefore, we hope you will identify the cause of your sensitivity and take proper care to protect your teeth and gums from damage through appropriate treatment.

This has been E-Comfort Dental Clinic. Thank you.

| *This post was written by [E-Comfort Dental Clinic Hwagok & Gangseo Branch] for informational purposes and in compliance with the Medical Advertising Act. The effectiveness of all treatments may vary depending on the individual’s condition, and side effects may occur, so please consult thoroughly with medical professionals before treatment. |