Why Are All My Teeth Suddenly Sensitive? Causes & Treatment

Why Do All My Teeth Hurt All of a Sudden? 12 Potential Causes of Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Waking up to find all your teeth hurt can be alarming. But sudden tooth sensitivity is more common than you might think. Even teeth that have never given you problems before can unexpectedly become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. So what causes this sudden discomfort?

There are actually many reasons your teeth might start hurting all of a sudden. The good news is that in most cases it can be successfully treated by identifying and addressing the underlying cause.

Here are 12 potential reasons your teeth may suddenly become sensitive and how to find relief:

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also called cavities or caries, is a common culprit behind sudden tooth sensitivity. The decay process causes the hard enamel that protects your tooth to erode. This exposes the inner dentin layer, which contains thousands of microscopic tubes leading to the tooth's nerves.

When these dentin tubules become exposed, hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods can irritate them and cause sharp pain. The earlier tooth decay is caught and treated, the less likely you'll experience severe sensitivity.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gums. As the gums recede due to gum disease, more of the sensitive tooth roots become exposed.

Bacteria can also infiltrate down the tooth and infect the pulp, exacerbating sensitivity. Practicing good oral hygiene and getting professional teeth cleanings can treat gum disease and related sensitivity.

3. Cracked Tooth

Cracks or fractures in your teeth, whether major or microscopic, can let outside stimuli enter and irritate the inner pulp. Cracked teeth result from trauma like biting something hard or grinding your teeth.

A cracked or fractured tooth may exhibit sudden, intense pain when exposed to hot or cold. Seeking prompt dental treatment is important to prevent further damage.

4. Dental Erosion

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth enamel from acid wear. Frequent exposure to acidic food and drinks can cause enamel erosion over time. As the protective enamel layer wears away, the sensitive dentin underneath is exposed.

Acidic foods to watch out for include citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, soda, wine, and sour candy. Using a straw when drinking acidic beverages can help shield your teeth from erosion.

5. Grinding or Clenching

Many people grind or clench their teeth, especially while sleeping. This puts intense pressure on the teeth that can wear away enamel and dentin. Teeth grinding can also cause tiny fractures or cracks in the teeth.

Wearing a night guard while sleeping helps protect your teeth from further grinding damage. Stress management can also reduce clenching and grinding during the day.

6. Tooth Whitening

Tooth sensitivity is a common temporary side effect from tooth whitening products, whether professional treatments or over-the-counter whitening strips. Whitening agents like peroxide penetrate the enamel and irritate the dentin below.

This typically resolves within 1-2 weeks after discontinuing whitening. Using sensitivity toothpaste for a few weeks after whitening can help reduce discomfort.

7. Recent Dental Work

It's common for teeth to become sensitive for a few weeks after undergoing dental procedures. Fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, tooth extractions, and other work can inflame and irritation the nerves inside the teeth.

Gentle oral hygiene and desensitizing toothpaste will usually help resolve post-dental work sensitivity as the teeth heal and adjust.

8. Orthodontic Treatment

Braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances place mechanical stress on the teeth that can cause sensitivity. The constant pressure pushes on the pulp inside the teeth.

Wearing orthodontics as directed and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can minimize discomfort. Most sensitivity resolves once orthodontic treatment is complete.

9. Oral Injury or Trauma

Injuries to the teeth and mouth from impacts, bites, sports accidents, falls, etc. can all cause damage leading to sensitivity. Cracks, broken cusps, and nerve irritation are common results of oral trauma.

Seeking prompt dental treatment is important to resolve sensitivity after injuries. Using a mouthguard during contact sports helps prevent damage.

10. Bruxism Appliances

If you've been fitted for an occlusal guard or other bruxism appliance to treat grinding and clenching, this can cause sensitivity as your teeth adjust. The pressure placed on the teeth by the appliance irritates the inner pulp.

This usually resolves within a few weeks as your teeth get used to the guard. Tell your dentist if sensitivity persists beyond this.

11. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD causes frequent acid reflux from the stomach up into the esophagus and mouth. This acid bathing can erode tooth enamel over time, allowing dentin exposure and sensitivity.

Treating any reflux issues is important to prevent further enamel erosion. Rinsing with baking soda solution after reflux episodes can help neutralize acid.

12. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the teeth and gums. Increased progesterone levels can cause gum inflammation, tissue swelling, and reduced saliva flow.

Sensitivity may result from gingivitis and increased acidity in the mouth. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits and eating calcium-rich foods can help minimize discomfort.

When to See a Dentist for Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Occasional minor sensitivity that resolves quickly may not require dental attention. But schedule an appointment right away if sensitivity:

• - Comes on suddenly and severely
• - Persists for more than 2 weeks
• - Worsens over time
• - Disrupts eating, drinking, or sleeping
• - Is accompanied by oral pain or swelling

Sudden tooth sensitivity should always be evaluated, especially when all teeth are affected. Dentists can pinpoint the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further problems.

Tips to Relieve Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

While waiting for your dental appointment, you can take measures at home to help alleviate sudden tooth sensitivity:

• Use desensitizing toothpaste containing ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride
• Rinse daily with an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel
• Avoid very hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or carbonated foods/drinks that aggravate sensitivity
• Drink with a straw to minimize contact of drinks with sensitive teeth
• Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen to temporarily reduce discomfort
• Apply toothpaste or oils like clove, coconut, or peppermint to sensitive areas
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush gently

Schedule an exam as soon as possible if home remedies don't provide relief. Identifying and promptly treating the source of sudden tooth sensitivity provides the best chance for a quick recovery.

Preventing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Practicing good daily dental hygiene and getting regular professional cleanings and exams can help minimize your risk of sudden sensitivity:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once daily
• Use mouthwash to rinse away debris
• Limit acidic and sugary food and drinks
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Get dental cleanings every 6 months

Letting your dentist know right away if you experience any new sensitivity can also prevent more severe issues. Prompt action helps resolve sensitivity for good.

When to Worry About Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Occasional minor tooth sensitivity is normal and nothing to worry about. But seek emergency dental care if you experience:

• - Unexplained bleeding from the gums
• - Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• - Severe throbbing oral pain
• - Pain or sensitivity accompanied by bumps, lesions, or oral swelling
• - Sensitivity symptoms that persist beyond 2 weeks

Severe or persisting sensitivity could indicate serious dental issues requiring urgent treatment. Don't delay getting professional help if home remedies and OTC pain relievers don't provide relief.

The Bottom Line

Waking up with all your teeth suddenly hurting can be disconcerting but is rarely cause for alarm. In most cases, sensitivity from factors like tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease, whitening, or dental work is temporary and treatable.

Practice good oral hygiene, use desensitizing products, and avoid irritating foods in the short term for relief. But do schedule a prompt exam with your dentist to determine the exact cause and remedy your sensitivity for good.

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.