What Causes Sudden, Intense Tooth Sensitivity?

Understanding Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity refers to pain or discomfort in teeth typically triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It occurs when gum recession exposes more of the tooth and roots, allowing external stimuli to reach nerve endings easier.

While minor sensitivity that comes and goes is common, a sudden onset of severe sensitivity can indicate other issues need addressing. Finding the source of discomfort is key to stopping further damage.

Common Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Some top reasons for new, intense tooth sensitivity include:

• Tooth decay or dental caries
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Worn dental fillings
• Gum disease and receding gums
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Tooth bleaching treatments

Pinpointing the exact cause helps dentists recommend appropriate, rapid solutions to ease discomfort.

Risk Factors for Developing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Those more prone to experiencing new, severe tooth sensitivity are:

• People with dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Those with untreated tooth decay or damaged fillings
• Individuals with receding gums from gum disease
• People who frequently grind or clench their teeth
• Frequent whitening toothpaste or treatments users

But even those without these specific risk factors can experience sudden sensitivity requiring dental expertise and care.

Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity in Detail

1. Cracked or Broken Teeth

Cracked teeth occur when blood or other liquids seep into the fissure, causing intense pain triggered by hot and cold. Biting down or consuming hard foods can worsen cracks, while leaving them untreated risks infection and tooth loss.

2. Damaged Dental Fillings

Over time, fillings can become defective from wear and tear or improper initial application. Openings allow hot and cold air, food, and liquid to reach inner tooth layers easier.

3. Receding Gums

Gingival recession exposes more tooth surfaces and even roots to external stimulation. Gum disease and over-brushing most often cause receding gums, resulting in temperature sensitivity.

4. Tooth Grinding and Clenching

Involuntarily grinding or clenching teeth wears down enamel over time. This allows for sudden sensitivity as stimulation reaches nerves through thinner layers. Reducing stress and wearing night guards help minimize grinding damage.

5. Tooth Bleaching Procedures

Products with peroxides in whitening toothpastes and professional in-office bleaching can temporarily irritate nerves and dentin tissue. Resulting sensitivity typically resolves within 1-2 weeks post-treatment.

6. Tooth Decay and Dental Caries

Decay eating away tooth enamel progresses painlessly...until it doesnt. Once it penetrates deep enough to reach nerves, extreme hot and cold sensitivity occurs. Treating cavities requires removing all decayed material and restoring teeth.

Treating the Cause of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Fillings and Crowns

Replacing worn or defective fillings seals teeth from stimuli access. Porcelain crowns strengthen cracked teeth and distribute biting force evenly to prevent worsened cracks.

Gum Grafts

This minor surgery transplants gum tissue to cover exposed roots, providing a barrier against hot and cold. Recovery takes about two weeks as grafted tissue integrates.

Night Guards and Jaw Exercises

Custom night guards worn during sleep distribute grinding force. Jaw stretches and warm compresses relax muscles to reduce teeth clenching contributing to sensitivity.

How to Temporarily Relieve Tooth Sensitivity

While visiting a dentist is key to treating the underlying cause of sudden sensitivity, the following at-home measures provide temporary relief:

Sensitivity Toothpaste

Special toothpastes contain active ingredients like strontium chloride, stannous fluoride, or potassium nitrate to block pain from external stimuli.

Fluoride Gel and Mouthwash Treatments

Over-the-counter high concentration fluoride products strengthen enamel and lessen nerve stimulation from hot and cold temporarily until professional treatment.

Desensitizing Chewing Gum

Chewing gum formulas feature similar numbing and nerve agents as toothpastes to offer sensitivity relief for a few hours.

Avoiding Triggers

Sidestepping hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks prevents aggravating sensitivity further while waiting for a dental visit. Soft, lukewarm food is easiest to tolerate.

In the case of sudden new tooth sensitivity, visiting a dentist promptly helps accurately diagnose the underlying issue to stop ongoing damage. Implementing at-home relief tactics brings short-term comfort until professional corrections get sensitivity causes under control.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.