Tooth sensitivity is no joke. At best, it can be mildly annoying, and at its worst, it can cause you significant pain and distress. Sudden tooth sensitivity can be confusing - especially if you feel that you are doing everything right.
To help you figure out why your bottom teeth might be sensitive all of a sudden, we have put together this guide containing all that you need to know. We will cover
- The common causes of sudden tooth sensitivity
- When to see a dentist
- Treatment options
- Prevention and management for sensitive teeth.
Let’s get into it!
Common Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity
While tooth sensitivity is a troublesome and inconvenient ailment, there are several common causes of the issue that you can identify. Figuring out the cause of your sudden tooth sensitivity is the first step to take to treat the issue. Here are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity that happen suddenly.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion occurs when the protective enamel layer on your tooth wears down. It can be caused by sugary or acidic food, brushing your teeth too hard, and even teeth grinding.
Without its protective layer intact, a tooth can become highly sensitive and thus cause sudden tooth sensitivity. This is one of the most common causes of sudden tooth pain and sensitivity and one that affects many people.
Try to stay away from eating acidic snacks and drinking acidic beverages all day. You run a greater risk of erosion as a result. Note that foods that are considered healthy, such as grapes, grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, etc., can contain acids. The acidity may exacerbate the exposed dentin if you have gum recession.
Gum Recession
Another leading cause of sudden tooth sensitivity is gum recession. This happens when the borders of your gums recced back along the tooth.
As a result, new areas of the tooth are exposed, however, they are not protected by enamel. This means that these newly exposed areas are highly sensitive and can cause a significant amount of sensitivity or pain within the mouth.
Gum recession is a relatively common dental problem and can be caused by under-brushing, over-brushing, and smoking.
Tooth Decay
Sudden tooth sensitivity is frequently caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down into acids that wear away at the layers of your teeth, causing holes and infections.
When the bacteria break down, they also destroy the layer of protective enamel on your teeth, exposing the sensitive layers of the tooth. When this occurs, you will likely experience sudden tooth sensitivity, as your enamel is no longer protecting certain parts of your teeth.
Tooth decay is an extremely common issue that dentists treat almost every day, but it is easily avoidable by practicing good oral hygiene.
Grinding or Clenching Teeth
Did you know that teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may be causing your sudden tooth sensitivity? Mild grinding or clenching of the teeth typically is not something to be too worried about, as it usually results in a sore jaw and interrupted sleep.
However, aggressive bruxism may cause tooth sensitivity, as it physically cracks your enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin layer of your tooth that resides underneath.
The more you grind your teeth, the more likely this is to happen, and it can make existing cracks worse. If you are waking up with a sore jaw, and also experience sudden tooth sensitivity, it might be caused by bruxism.
Dental Procedures
Even though we go to the dentist to alleviate pain and fix dental problems, some dental procedures can cause tooth sensitivity.
Deep cleaning and whitening treatments can be quite hard on your teeth, and cause you to experience sudden sensitivity for a few weeks afterwards.
However, this is to be expected, and good dental practitioners should warn you of this before you undergo the procedure.
When to See a Dentist
To some extent, mild tooth sensitivity on occasion is considered normal. In the same way that we have sudden aches and pains in our bodies, sometimes our teeth also do the same.
However, there is a point in which you do need to see a dentist, as the sensitivity could be a sign of an underlying problem. If you experience any of the following, it is a good idea to give your dentist a call and book an appointment;
- The pain and sensitivity is debilitating and preventing you from eating
- The sensitivity is ongoing (i.e., for several weeks.)
- There are visual changes in your mouth, coupled with sensitivity
- Other symptoms develop, such as bleeding gums or a bad odor
While tooth sensitivity is to be expected at some times, if you experience anything in the above list, you should visit a dentist. This is because the earlier a dental issue is diagnosed and treated, the higher the likelihood of a full recovery being made.
Don’t put off visiting the dentist if you are concerned by your sudden tooth sensitivity, as this may allow the underlying issue to worsen to a point in which it becomes a serious dental problem.
Treatment Options
Luckily, tooth sensitivity can be treated if it is caught early enough. Depending on the severity and the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity, the treatment will differ. Here are some of the most commonly used treatment options to aid tooth sensitivity.
- Root canal therapy: If your tooth sensitivity is caused by an infected tooth, chances are it will be treated with a root canal. A root canal is used when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, which is what causes pain. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the infected pulp, fill the tooth, and then place a crown over it to protect the area. The removal of the infection will likely stop your sensitivity and ensure your tooth stays as healthy as possible.
Prevention and Management
Tooth pain and sensitivity are common, however, you should still do everything in your power to prevent them from occuring in the first place. Here are some of the best ways to prevent and manage sudden tooth sensitivity.
Proper Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent and manage tooth sensitivity is by practicing proper oral hygiene. There are several ways you can do this, and you must have a routine that adequately looks after your teeth. Proper oral hygiene includes;
- Brushing your teeth twice a day, every day with n-Ha toothpaste
- Using dental floss after you brush
- Brushing your teeth correctly. This means you brush with adequate pressure - neither too hard nor too soft
- Using the right type of toothbrush. Not all toothbrushes are made equally, and you should not forgo quality when it comes to your toothbrush. You can check out our toothbrushes here.
Limiting Acidic and Sugary Foods
Acidic and sugary foods are one of the leading causes of enamel erosion, which in turn causes tooth sensitivity. If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity, then it is a good idea to limit your sugar and acid intake, as this will decrease the amount of exposure to these harmful substances that your teeth experience.
Wearing a Mouthguard
If you grind or clench your teeth, you may benefit from wearing a mouthguard to prevent and manage tooth sensitivity.
A mouthguard will reduce the amount of physical wear and tear your teeth experience as a result of grinding them, and act as a protective barrier.
This is especially useful if you are someone who grinds their teeth in their sleep, as this is quite hard to control otherwise.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental checkups are perhaps the most important step you can take to reduce and manage any dental issue. Regularly visiting your dentist will allow them to keep an eye on and detect any early issues, allowing for a swift and successful treatment.
You should visit your dentist at least once a year; however, if you feel that you are prone to dental issues, you may benefit from visiting every six months.
Expert Opinion
Dr Anjum Chaudhary, BDS, MDS, a dental expert, advises -“By brushing gently and maintaining good oral care habits, you can help to address receding gums. In cases of severe gum recession and extreme sensitivity and discomfort, your dentist might recommend a gum grafting procedure.
To prevent teeth clenching or grinding during the day, it's important to be mindful and train yourself to stop these habits.
Additionally, reducing stress and cutting down on coffee before bed can help to avoid teeth grinding at night. If these strategies are ineffective, using a mouthguard can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep. If tooth sensitivity is making eating difficult, it's important to see your dentist for treatment.”