Why Patients Become Plagued with Teeth Sensitivity

Many patients are plagued by dental sensitivity. In fact, it’s one of the most common dental complaints. Often, this affects not only the teeth and enamel, but the gums, yet despite the availability and expertise of dentist Farmington NM, few patients proactively respond to these dental problems. 

Why Teeth Become Sensitive 

A sip of cold lemonade, a sweet candy, a spoonful of hot soup or the bite of an apple, and you feel the quick sensation that sends a chill through you. Tooth sensitivity is a common type of toothache reportedly affecting almost one-third of Americans. 

This is definitely not to be defined as a dental disease. It is rather a symptom that should be taken seriously and corrected as soon as possible. In order to understand how your teeth succumb to such pain, one must become familiar with the structure of the teeth. 


The part of the tooth that can be seen is called the dental crown, and the part sitting in the jawbone is called tooth root. The transition between the two parts forms the tooth neck which is usually covered by the gums. 

The tooth itself consists of three layers. From the outside to the inside are the enamel, the dentin, and dental pulp. 

When the gums retract, the tooth necks or roots become exposed. These are made of dentin, the main building substance of the teeth. The dentin is traversed by numerous hair-thin tubes in which nerve cells are connected inside the tooth. As soon as the protective gums no longer completely cover the tooth, the nerves become exposed to outside elements. 

Receding Gums 

So the most common reason for the hypersensitivity of the teeth is the gum recession, almost always caused by lack of oral hygiene . In most cases it does not depend on the frequency of brushing, but much more caused by wrong cleaning techniques. 

Most people are unaware that coarse scrubbing with horizontal movements literally erodes the enamel and also the gum tissue. If you use this wrong cleaning technique for a long time, not only the gum tissue but also the enamel layer will erode. Tiny channels open in the less-protected dentin area at the neck of the tooth, increasing sensitivity. 

There can be other reasons for gum recession including periodontal disease, changes in hormonal balances, bad bite conditions, or even genetic predispositions. This is why regular dental visits are vital. During cleanings, a dentist can diagnose problems and treat them before they become a treacherous problem. 

Other Causes Of Teeth Sensitivity 

There are also external circumstances that impact the teeth. 

1. The overuse of certain bleaching products and toothpastes. These products often contain chemical ingredients that overtime make the teeth more sensitive. 

2. Bruxism or teeth grinding causes the tooth enamel to erode, which in turn causes the tooth nerves to be more sensitive to external stimuli. 

3. Tooth decay, if it is not treated in time, can penetrate the root of the tooth. In addition to causing inflammation, decay also exposes the teeth to excessive sensation. 

How To Resolve 

Although the condition itself is not dangerous, there are consequences of not treating this problem in a timely manner. An insignificant dental issue today could spiral into many dental problems later in life, so the best way to resolve teeth sensitivity is starting with a visit to the dentist.

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