The Science Behind Tooth Sensitivity

Dental or tooth sensitivity is a common oral health issue many people experience. But, what is the meaning of sensitive teeth, and what causes this discomfort? When your teeth become sensitive, meaning there’s a sudden sharp pain on consuming some hot, cold or sweet food item or brushing, it indicates an issue with your teeth or gums. Tooth sensitivity can come from a few different things. It might be due to cavities, cracks, trauma, or even habits like grinding your teeth. Sometimes, if your gums pull away from your teeth, either from gum disease or brushing too hard, it can expose parts of your teeth that aren’t usually visible, leading to sensitivity.

In this blog, we will discuss the various causes of tooth sensitivity and how it may impact your eating habits. We’ll also discuss how teeth aligners, which are removable appliances used to straighten teeth, might be related to managing sensitivity.

Model biting an orange slice, depicting tooth sensitivity Source: freepik

How It Impacts Daily Eating Habits

Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking uncomfortable. Here’s how it can affect your eating habits:

• Pain with Hot or Cold Foods: If your teeth are sensitive, you might feel a sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold. This can make you hesitant to enjoy your favourite warm soups or cold ice cream, reflecting sensitive teeth symptoms.
• Discomfort with Sweet or Acidic Foods: Foods and drinks that are sweet or sour, like candies, oranges, sodas, and sports drinks, can cause pain if you have sensitive teeth. Acidic foods can also wear down your tooth enamel over time, worsening sensitivity.
• Pain from Cold Air: Breathing in cold air can sometimes cause a jolt of pain if your teeth are sensitive. This can make eating in cooler environments or during the winter less pleasant.

To manage dental sensitivity, consider talking to your dentist for advice and solutions.

Causes and Symptoms

Here’s a simple breakdown of how sensitivity occurs: the outer layer of your tooth is called enamel, which protects the part you see above the gumline. The roots of your teeth are enveloped in a protective layer called cementum. Underneath these layers is dentin, which has tiny channels that connect to the nerve inside your tooth. When these channels get exposed, they can cause that sharp, painful feeling when you eat or drink something hot or cold. This discomfort is a key symptom of sensitive teeth.

Understanding the reasons for sensitive teeth can help you address the issue effectively:

• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Eating or drinking acidic items like citrus fruits, pickles, tomatoes and tea in excess can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive.
• Brushing Too Hard: Using a hard toothbrush or brushing too forcefully can wear away tooth enamel, making your teeth sensitive.
• Cracked Teeth: Chips or cracks in your teeth can let bacteria in, causing pain and sensitive teeth symptoms.
• Tooth decay: The sensitivity of your teeth can be caused by cavities. When plaque forms on the roots of your teeth, it can make your teeth sensitive.
• Gum Recession: If your gums pull away from your teeth, it can expose the roots, leading to sensitive teeth pain.
• Gum Disease: Infected or inflamed gums can expose sensitive parts of the tooth, causing discomfort.
• Teeth Grinding: Grinding your teeth can damage the enamel and lead to sensitivity.
• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Eating or drinking acidic items like citrus fruits or soda can erode enamel, making teeth more sensitive.
• Teeth Whitening Products: Whitening treatments can sometimes make teeth sensitive.
• Recent Dental Work: Treatments like fillings or cleanings can make your teeth temporarily sensitive.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, it's important to identify the cause and address it promptly to avoid further discomfort and potential damage to your teeth

Tooth Sensitivity and Aligners

Teeth aligners can help manage tooth sensitivity in several ways.

Poor oral hygiene is a major contributor to sensitivity, but clear aligners offer an advantage. Their removability makes it much easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Also, unlike traditional braces, which can trap food and bacteria, aligners can be taken out for cleaning, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum issues that can worsen sensitivity.

Teeth grinding is another common cause of sensitivity, and clear aligners can help by acting as a cushion between your teeth. This protective barrier can minimize tooth wear, reducing direct contact between your teeth. In certain cases, aligners are used to correct bite issues which cause sensitivity.

However, some people might experience mild sensitivity when they first start wearing aligners or switch to a new set. This sensitivity arises due to the pressure exerted by them as they shift your teeth into place and typically diminishes within a few weeks. By using aligners as directed and following your dentist’s advice, you can manage sensitivity and have a more comfortable orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

Sensitive teeth can make enjoying hot, cold, or acidic foods uncomfortable. It often results from factors like enamel erosion, gum recession, or cracked teeth. Teeth aligners can be helpful for preventing teeth grinding and correcting bite related issues, and also promote oral hygiene maintenance. While mild sensitivity might occur initially with aligners, it typically fades quickly. Proper use of aligners and good oral hygiene will help you achieve a more comfortable and effective treatment.

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