The inside of your tooth holds a soft pulp tissue which contains the nerve of the tooth. This is surrounded by a material called dentin, which is further surrounded by cementum at the tooth root and enamel at the crown. When the dentin is exposed, the tooth becomes sensitive. Here are a few ways sensitive teeth develop.
Enamel Loss
Enamel is the strongest substance in your body and it surrounds the crowns of your teeth. However, it can still be damaged and expose dentin. Common causes of enamel damage include:
- Tooth decay
- Worn fillings
- Fracture from injury
- Brushing too hard
- Teeth grinding
Gum Disease
This cause of tooth sensitivity creates problems if it exposes the tooth root. The tooth root is protected by cementum tissue, which isn’t as strong as enamel. Gum disease also creates periodontal pockets which can collect plaque bacteria that eat away at teeth.
Tooth Whitening
For some people, tooth whitening procedures can cause some temporary sensitivity in their teeth. If you have experienced this problem, speak with your dentist about it. They may suggest using a fluoride gel to strengthen teeth before your next tooth whitening procedure.