Most of us say that our teeth are sensitive. We feel pain or discomfort in our teeth in the following situations.
- Eating sweets
- Eating and drinking hot things
- Eating and drinking cold things
- Touching of other teeth or tongue
Types
DENTIN SENSITIVITY
It occurs when the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. Normally, the dentin layer is covered with enamel above the gum line and with cementum below. Dentin consists of tiny channels called tubules. Each tubule has nerve endings coming from the center of the tooth. Especially when the outer protective enamel or cementum layers of the tooth are destroyed, when dentin is exposed, hot, cold and pressure affect these nerves. This causes sensitivity. Dentin sensitivity can affect one or several teeth.
Causes
- Damaging the enamel layer by brushing your teeth too hard.
- Tartar accumulation at the gum line due to poor oral hygiene and therefore mineral deficiency in the tooth (demineralization).
- Using fixed dentures for longer than necessary (if there is a problem with the dentures)
- Untreated cavities
- Old fillings with cracks or leakage between the tooth and the tooth
- Gum recession that exposes the root of the tooth. (Gum recession usually occurs from brushing your teeth too hard or gum tissue diseases.)
- Gum surgeries that expose the root of the tooth
- Teeth whitening for individuals whose tooth roots have been exposed for various reasons (for this reason, whitening companies have now released products with desensitizing agents added)
- Frequently acidic foods and beverages consuming (accelerates wear on enamel and cementum surfaces)
- Various stomach disorders accompanied by vomiting or pregnancy, again due to wear
PULPA SENSITIVITY
It is a reaction of the tooth center. Pulp is the living part located in the center of each tooth, where blood vessels and nerves coming from the root are wrapped around each other and form a ball. Pulp sensitivity usually affects only one tooth.
Causes
- Decay or infection
- New fillings (if deep and close to the pulp)
- Excessive pressure from clenching and grinding
- Cracked or broken tooth
