Why Do Some Teeth Develop Sensitivity While Others Do Not?

Posted on 7/26/2021 by Bryan Neu

Tooth sensitivity is a condition generally caused by exposing the dentin. Typically, your teeth are protected by an outer layer known as the enamel. When enamel is damaged, it will expose the underlying dentin. People with tooth sensitivity experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold substances. The pain is often sharp but temporary. Tooth sensitivity rarely affects all your teeth; only a few could be affected. Here are some reasons why you might experience sensitivity only in a few teeth.

Cracked Tooth

If you have one or two cracked teeth, you are likely to experience sensitivity in those areas. When your tooth is cracked, it makes it easy for bacteria to penetrate it and cause cavities. Such infections could damage the tooth and expose the dentin. Therefore, you will experience sensitivity in that particular tooth when you drink or eat cold or hot beverages.

Clenching on Certain Teeth Often

Another common cause of teeth sensitivity is grinding and clenching of teeth. Even though the enamel is the hardest part of your teeth, it can wear down due to grinding. This exposes the underlying dentin and that can trigger sensitivity. If you have a habit of clenching only specific teeth, there are chances of experiencing sensitivity in those particular teeth. Grinding these teeth repeatedly will wear them down, leaving the surrounding ones healthy. This explains why some teeth develop sensitivity while others don't.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too hard is another common cause of tooth sensitivity. When you brush vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush, you will wear down the enamel. Side to side brushing will also affect your gums and could cause bleeding. If you have that habit, you could cause sensitivity in teeth around that area. Therefore, it is recommended that you brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also use the same tactic when flossing for better results. For more information on teeth sensitivity, contact our offices.

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