Sensitive teeth are often the result of exposed tooth necks, which causes the nerves to react hypersensitively. Sometimes sensitive teeth also develop after drinking alcohol, after whitening or after having teeth filled.

Sensitive teeth: what is it?

Sensitive teeth cause pain with hot or cold food/drink, but also sensitivity when the tooth is touched. The sensitivity manifests itself through pain or a nagging feeling. More than half of the population often suffers from sensitive teeth.A sensitive tooth responds to external stimuli, usually heat or cold, by causing an intense pain that penetrates deep into the roots. Another form of sensitive teeth responds to pressure with a shooting pain or a dull ache.

Sensitive teeth with hot or cold food or drinks

Many people sooner or later have to deal with this problem: sensitive tooth necks. The tooth feels very painful after eating or drinking cold or hot food or drinks. There is a sharp pain that penetrates deep into the root. Often there is no difference between heat or cold: the pain is just as intense. In some cases, cold seems to generate more stimuli than heat. Sweets can also cause a pain.The solution is brushing with a toothpaste for sensitive tooth necks. This toothpaste contains a substance that closes the channels, so that the nerves are no longer stimulated. The dentist can also apply a paste that will continue to do its work for a longer period of time.Sensitive tooth necks cannot always be prevented: as we age, the gums recede and tooth necks become exposed. Brushing gently so that the gums are not brushed away is important. This must be taught to young children.

Sensitive tooth after filling

After drilling and filling a molar or tooth, increased sensitivity of the tooth or molar may occur. Heat and cold are particularly noticeable. In most cases this sensitivity disappears again. This takes an average of four to six weeks. If the pain does not decrease or even becomes worse, in many cases there is something else going on. It is then wise to contact the dentist.

Sensitive teeth after whitening

Bleaching whitens the teeth. Whitening is an intensive treatment for the teeth, which can be painful. After the treatment, a number of people mainly complain of pain and sensitivity. The sensitivity manifests itself through shooting pains with heat and cold.Brushing with Sensodyne can reduce sensitivity. If sensitivity occurs more often after whitening, it is advisable not to have the teeth whitened too often or to do it yourself. Sensitivity after bleaching should normally decrease and disappear within one to two weeks.

Sensitive teeth after alcohol

Some people experience sensitive teeth after drinking alcohol, which can remain sensitive for one to two days. Two factors could be the cause of this. Firstly, acids in wine, for example, attack tooth enamel. This makes teeth more sensitive. Brushing immediately after drinking alcoholic beverages also damages the enamel. Sensitive teeth can also react very badly to cold drinks. Brushing with a toothpaste for sensitive tooth necks is recommended.Alcohol causes many people to sleep restlessly and unconsciously clench their jaws during sleep. This causes pain the next morning that can last for one to two days.

Sensitive teeth after root canal treatment

After a root canal treatment, in which the pulp is removed from the root canal and the space is filled, sensitivity of the tooth may occur. Sometimes this sensitivity can last for several weeks. It is an after-effect of the treatment and usually harmless.In some cases, the root canal treatment appears not to have been carried out properly and something remains behind. This can cause the tooth to become sensitive. This is noticeable in heat and cold, but sometimes also by pressure against the tooth, such as when biting. If this pain does not go away or gets worse, it is always better to visit the dentist. This can check whether the root canal is clean.