What makes teeth suddenly sensitive

It also provides advice on when to seek treatment from a doctor or dentist. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. People with gingivitis may experience red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is the later stage of gum disease, during which the gums start to pull away from the teeth. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Some potential signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:. Treatment for gingivitis involves practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings.

These treatments help reduce the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease. In general, periodontitis requires more extensive treatment. Depending on its severity, the treatment options may include:. Dentin is made up of tiny tubules, which connect to nerves inside the tooth. Weak or worn tooth enamel exposes these tubules, allowing heat and cold to reach the nerves. This results in tooth sensitivity or pain. Tooth sensitivity tends to occur when a person brushes their teeth or exposes the teeth to hot or cold foods or liquids.

The pain may be sudden and sharp. However, some people experience tooth sensitivity as a constant dull ache. If there are no signs of dental decay, a dentist may suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste. They may also apply a fluoride gel or desensitizing agent to the affected teeth to help protect the tooth enamel. A dental cavity is a hole that develops on the enamel surface of a tooth. This can cause pain that may radiate to other teeth or up the jaw. In some cases, a dental cavity may result in a dental abscess.

This is a pocket of infection that can form inside a tooth or deep inside the gum. Some possible symptoms of a dental abscess include:. In order to treat dental cavities, a dentist will need to drill out the cavity and fill the tooth. If the cavity is particularly advanced, a person may require a root canal procedure or a tooth extraction. A person who has an abscess with swelling and fever will require antibiotics to treat the infection.

They will also require treatment for the dental concern that caused the abscess. In rare cases, the bacterial infection from an untreated abscess can spread into the blood and to other areas of the body. For this reason, people who suspect that they have a dental abscess should seek immediate medical treatment.

The medical term for grinding the teeth is bruxism. It is a habit that often occurs as a result of stress or anxiety. People who grind or clench their teeth tend to do so during sleep. A cracked tooth or crown can hurt, surprise! Not a surprise, we know, but definitely a cause of tooth pain and sensitivity. Cracks in teeth that cause discomfort can be so small that they are nearly impossible to see.

Sometimes it is only through the process of elimination or specific dental tests that a cracked tooth can be detected, but sometimes a piece of a tooth or portion of a crown can all out in your sink when brushing, flossing, or eating. A sinus infection can sometimes pose as a toothache. One of its symptoms is pain in your teeth and in your jaw.

A sinus is simply a cavity within a bone or other tissue. When this open space becomes inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, it can compress the nerve endings of your teeth, causing pain.

Some sinus infections can be prevented through the use of nasal decongestants and oral antihistamines. On rare occasions for those with frequent severe sinus infections, surgery is indicated. Clenching and grinding one's teeth and jaws can lead to chronic tooth sensitivity, as it can lead to severe wear on the enamel and receding gums. It is not unusual for many people to occasionally clench or grind their teeth during times of high stress, focus, or due to poor sleep.

When this habit becomes chronic, however, it can really impact people's daily lives and oral health. Ideally, these tools should be coupled with changes in lifestyle or stress-relieving activities to help treat the cause of the problem, not just the result. A visit to the dentist can cause tooth sensitivity. Recent fillings or dental work involving drilling can temporarily inflame the nerve endings of your teeth and make them more sensitive.

Deep cleanings and long overdue dental cleanings can also cause some minor tooth discomfort. Dental treatment sensitivity generally only lasts a couple of days but can, in some people, last as long as two weeks. The price of beauty.. Pain in your teeth that's caused by teeth bleaching is often temporary and will usually subside if you stop using whitening products.

Bleaching toothpaste can also cause sensitivity in some people. If you are bleaching using an over-the-counter treatment, try waiting for a day or two between treatments or try a different product. If your teeth suddenly become sensitive or feel painful, don't wait, make an appointment with your dentist. A simple check and minor treatment can often eliminate the discomfort quickly and prevent future pain.

Regular preventative treatment such as dental cleanings and examinations can allow dentists and hygienists to detect problems early and solve them using the most conservative methods possible. As we slowly return to our new "normal," it is essential to remember that staying healthy is more than just wearing a mask, keeping six feet distance, and washing hands. However, a cracked tooth will cause intense, stabbing pain, since the nerve will be more exposed. If your teeth are damaged, your dentist can restore them.

A root canal can repair a damaged tooth root, for example, and a filling can restore a tooth with a cavity. If your tooth is damaged due to impact, infection, or tooth decay, visit your dentist as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing intense pain and you need emergency dental care in the greater Las Vegas area, we can help. Contact us for emergency dental care. Your tooth enamel is a mineral , mainly calcium phosphate. Though it is very strong, acids can dissolve it. Highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, coffee, wine, soda, tomatoes and foods high in processed sugars and starches can all start to dissolve tooth enamel.

Eating or drinking these acidic foods too often can be one reason your teeth are so sensitive. Eating these foods as a part of a balanced diet will not erode your tooth enamel. Some foods are acidic and others are basic, so eating a variety of foods will level out the overall acidity.

However, if you enjoy a particular food or drink multiple times a day, it can cause problems. Drink water when you enjoy these foods or drinks so you can wash away the acids, instead of leaving them on your teeth.

A sudden increase in stress could be the cause of sensitivity. Stress causes an increase in cortisol levels, which can cause involuntary teeth grinding, leading to tooth sensitivity throughout the mouth. In addition to tooth sensitivity, you might also notice soreness in your jaw when you wake up, or throughout the day. The best way to resolve this cause of tooth sensitivity is to resolve the cause of the stress. Your sinuses sit right above your top teeth.

This means pressure, bacteria, and inflammation in your sinuses can also hurt your teeth. A sinus infection in either your left or right sinus, or even both sides, can cause tooth sensitivity on that side. The teeth can also be very sensitive to sudden movement, such as standing up or walking. A cold or flu can create a sinus infection. This condition might clear in time, or you can see your doctor for medication.

In the meantime, use over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the pain in your sinuses and sensitivity in your teeth. If your tooth enamel is damaged, it can expose the dentin and nerves in the teeth.

But your teeth roots are not protected by enamel. Instead, your gums protect the dentin around your teeth roots.