What triggers sensitivity in teeth?

Teeth sensitivity is caused due to exposed dentine. Find out what triggers it.

By: Dr Anitha Anchan | | Updated: February 2, 2017 10:04 am

Dentine is the bone-like mineralized tissue of a tooth that is covered and protected by the enamel in the crown and by the cementum in the root. It is made up of many tiny channels called dentinal tubules, which help transmit sensations of pain and touch to the pulp. Teeth sensitivity is usually caused due to exposed dentine.

What triggers sensitivity?

The dentinal tubules contain dentinal fluid. When the dentin is exposed any stimuli that displace the dentinal fluid activates the nerve endings within the tooth and triggers sensitivity.

1. Hot and cold– Taking hot or cold drinks and foods triggers sensitivity. But, the most common trigger is cold. Breathing in cold air, coolant water jets and blast of air from an instrument during dental treatment, etc. can have the same effect too.

2. Touch from instruments or devices – Probe used during dental examination, instruments used for scaling and root planing, etc. can trigger sensitivity when they come in contact with exposed dentine. Some people even experience sensitivity when brushing their teeth or using a toothpick.

3. Sugars – When sugary foods are eaten, the osmotic gradients from sugar induces impulses and excites the nerves in the tooth causing tooth sensitivity.

4. Acid – Eating acidic foods and drinks and certain dental procedures that use acid to etch the tooth can trigger tooth sensitivity.

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Published: June 1, 2015 3:09 pm | Updated:February 2, 2017 10:04 am

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