Are Your Teeth Feeling Sensitive All of a Sudden? | Here’s Why it Happens!

The last thing anyone expects when enjoying their favorite snack is to reel back in pain. That, too, because of tooth sensitivity. Whether it’s because of an ice-cold lolly or a warm, comforting mug of hot cocoa, tooth sensitivity can appear all of a sudden, out of nowhere.

Although sometimes it’s just a reflex response, other times it could be due to a severe dental condition. But what are these causes, and why do your teeth feel sensitive all of a sudden? Let’s take a look.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive All of a Sudden?

There are numerous reasons why your teeth suddenly react with such intense sensitivity. Besides the occasional brain freeze, here are the major reasons behind the pain:

1. Exposure to alternate temperatures
   Continuously switching between hot and cold foods or drinks can trigger an intense toothache.
2. Gum recession
   When your gums start to pull back from your teeth, the vulnerable area can aggressively react whenever you open your mouth.
3. Enamel Erosion
   Once the enamel of your teeth starts to fade away, it leaves behind easy access to the dentin, which causes extreme sensitivity.
4. Tooth Decay
   Cavities are the prime reason why your teeth start to decay and react with sensitivity.
5. Gingivitis
   Whether it’s a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) or mild, the bacteria can weaken your gums, making everyday activities difficult to bear.
6. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
   A crack in your tooth is all that it takes for bacteria to slip inside, eating away the surface of your pearly whites and making them sensitive.
7. Sinusitis
   Clogged sinuses often have the same effect as tooth sensitivity. It’s easy to mistake that pressure for pain.
8. Clenching or Grinding Teeth
   A habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can weaken the tooth from its roots. This further leads to root exposure, causing frequent toothaches.
9. Excessive Use of Teeth Whitening Products
   As useful as they are, OTC teeth whitening products have strong bleaching agents that weaken your enamel at a faster rate.
10. Poor Oral Hygiene
    Neglecting your oral hygiene is the number one reason why people suffer from tooth sensitivity, no matter how sudden it might seem.
11. Aggressively Biting Down on Hard Foods
    Chomping down on hard foods like ice, candy, nuts, etc., can dislodge your teeth and cause a sharp stinging pain to shoot across your mouth.
12. Poor Diet
    Drinking carbonated sodas and eating foods that are high in acidity or sugar is the top reason why your teeth lose their strength and become more fragile instead.
13. Worn Down Dental Filling
    When a dental filling is about to fall off or has been extremely worn down, it can cause your bottom teeth, especially molars, to suddenly hurt and be sensitive.

How to Prevent Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity can be extremely jarring. Be it one tooth hurting or all of them, unless you take the measures to stop it, the ache won’t easily go away.

Nevertheless, here are some methods on how to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately:

• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Follow a strict oral hygiene routine.
• Don’t brush your teeth with aggression; use a gentle hand.
• Maintain a healthy diet, low in acidic foods and drinks.
• Gently give your gums a brushing too
• Use a mouthguard when needed.
• Opt for a dental sealant treatment.
• Drink water after eating or drinking to rinse away the food remains.

Tooth Sensitivity Won’t Go Away?

If you’ve been dealing with a toothache that comes and goes, making you wonder, ‘why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?’ Then perhaps it’s best you get it checked out.

In case of constant pain and sensitivity, contact Rio Dental at (210) 785-8526. You can also find us at our dental office, conveniently located at 2811 Hillcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78201. It’s right beside Villasol Insurance Solutions LLC.