Feeling Pain When You Bite Down? Why Your Tooth Sensitivity Could Be a Warning Sign
A scoop of gelato on a warm Sydney afternoon or hot coffee on a rainy day – the ultimate creature comforts to lift your mood. But what if these comforting foods become a cause for discomfort? If you’ve ever felt a sharp, jarring pain shooting through your teeth when you sip a chilled drink or eat something hot, you’ll know what we’re talking about. That sudden sensitivity can be more than just a fleeting annoyance. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Sensitive teeth are often the sign of underlying dental issues, such as a cavity or worn enamel. Minor sensitivity can often be treated by changing to a fluoride toothpaste, but for serious issues, you might need to go for a dental filling at a local family dental clinic. Let’s learn more about what tooth sensitivity is, why it happens, and what it means for your dental health.
Not Just Cavities: Surprising Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity
Dentine hypersensitivity is a frequently encountered issue for dentists. Estimates from a report by the University of Adelaide suggest that between 10% and 30% of the global population affected with this condition have someone experiencing sensitive teeth. Sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the layer beneath the tooth’s enamel, is exposed. It can be triggered by any kind of stimulus, like eating sweet or acidic food, or consuming something too hot or cold. Cavity is usually the biggest reason, causing pain and sensitivity. But there are other reasons, too, that can lead to sensitivity in the tooth. Let’s check out these reasons in brief:
Receding Gums
Gum recession is when your gum tissues pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots. The roots of the teeth are more sensitive than the enamel-covered crown, and thus more vulnerable to infection, pain, and sensitivity. Aggressive brushing or untreated gum infections can cause gums to recede, leading to sensitivity and pain from hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Worn Enamel
The enamel is your tooth’s protective shield, keeping the inner dentin safe from the stress of chewing, biting, and grinding. Over time, acidic foods, drinks, or teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear it down, exposing the softer dentin underneath. This layer contains tiny nerve endings, which can trigger sharp, sudden sensitivity.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Ever had your tooth chipped? If yes, you’d know how sensitive it can make the teeth. Even a minor crack can expose the inner layers of your tooth, leading to sudden pain when you bite or chew anything. Cracks can develop from trauma, biting hard foods, or even daily wear and tear.
Leaky or Old Fillings
Dental Fillings aren’t permanent. Over time, they can wear down or separate from the tooth, leaving gaps where bacteria can seep in. This may lead to new decay underneath, which often presents as sensitivity or intermittent pain. Dental gap filling can often resolve such pain. However, experiencing some sensitivity after a tooth filling procedure is also common.
Is It a Cavity? What to Look For
While receding gums, worn enamel, or cracked teeth can all trigger sensitivity, one of the most common culprits is a cavity. A cavity is essentially a hole in the tooth caused by decay. The decay slowly eats through enamel, moving closer to the sensitive pulp inside. This can affect the delicate nerves in the teeth and cause sensitivity.
Symptoms of a cavity include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Visible dark spots or small holes on the tooth
- Mild to sharp pain when chewing
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Left untreated, a small cavity can quickly grow into a bigger problem, potentially leading to infection or even the need for a root canal. A report by AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) states that approximately 42% of children aged 5 to 10 have experienced decay in their primary teeth. Also, more than 1 in 4 (27%) children in this age group have untreated decay in their primary teeth.
Dental Fillings: A Simple Fix for Tooth Sensitivity
The good news? A routine tooth filling can usually fix the problem quickly and painlessly. In this treatment, a dentist will first remove the decayed part, then clean the tooth, and fill the space with a tooth-coloured material of your choice. Common materials used for dental gap filling are composite resin, amalgam (silver), gold, or porcelain. This simple procedure restores your tooth, stops further decay, and eliminates sensitivity. In our next article, we’ll dive deeper into dental fillings and explain how this straightforward solution can help restore your smile.
Final Words
Sensitive teeth can make life difficult for you in various ways. At Lumeah Dental Surgery, we believe that happy teeth are vital for a healthy body. That’s why we offer dental fillings that help restore cavities and bring a damaged tooth back to life without compromising aesthetics. Tooth sensitivity is more than an occasional annoyance—it’s a warning signal from your body.
If you notice persistent discomfort, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule a check-up with our expert dentists today. Our friendly team is here to help you enjoy life without that sudden, jarring pain and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
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