Knowledge Sensitive teeth and tooth necks

Cold-sensitive teeth are a common problem that can be caused by various factors. The most common causes are gum recession, enamel erosion, tooth decay, cracks in the tooth and exposed tooth necks. These can lead to external stimuli such as cold acting directly on the tooth nerve and causing pain.

Here are some of the main reasons for cold-sensitive teeth:

• Healthy gums normally cover the necks of the teeth, which are less resistant to external stimuli than the enamel-covered crowns.
• When the gums recede, the necks of the teeth are exposed and the nerve endings in the dentin are exposed.
• This can lead to pain if the teeth are exposed to cold or acidic foods or drinks.

• The enamel is the protective outer layer of the teeth.
• Acids, e.g. from food and drinks, or mechanical influences (teeth grinding, incorrect brushing technique) can attack and break down the enamel.
• If the enamel becomes thinner, the underlying, more sensitive dentine layers can be more easily irritated.

• Tooth decay is a bacterial disease that destroys the enamel and causes holes in the tooth.
• These holes expose the dentin and make the teeth sensitive to cold.
• Incipient caries can also lead to pain when exposed to cold, even if the caries is not yet visible as a hole.

• Small cracks in the tooth can be caused by external influences such as accidents or teeth grinding.
• These cracks can lead to increased sensitivity, as cold can reach the nerves in the tooth directly.

Gum disease:
Inflammation of the gums can lead to gum recession and thus to cold-sensitive teeth.

Teeth grinding (bruxism):
Unconscious teeth grinding can wear away the enamel and lead to wear of the protective enamel layer and exposed dentin surfaces on the chewing surfaces.

Acid erosion:
Contact with acids, e.g. through the consumption of acidic foods or drinks, can attack tooth enamel.

Reflux:
Stomach acid entering the oesophagus and oral cavity can damage tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity.