Why Are Your Teeth Suddenly So Sensitive?

January 27, 2023

Sensitive teeth are common and can cause discomfort ranging from mild to severe. For some, the sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures feels as though it has always been there, while for others, tooth sensitivity may come on suddenly.

What would cause teeth to suddenly become sensitive? The following are a few reasons why tooth sensitivity may suddenly be causing you significant discomfort.

An Injured Tooth

Injury to the teeth can cause tooth sensitivity. If you already have tooth sensitivity, an injury can cause it to get worse. Types of damage include chipped or fractured teeth, loose teeth, and compromised tooth enamel.

When a tooth is injured, dentin—the layer below tooth enamel—becomes exposed. Enamel is designed to protect teeth, but when it is compromised, dentin allows the temperature of what you eat and drink, and even the air you breathe, to access the nerves inside your tooth [1]. When this happens, sensitivity is the result.

Tooth Decay or Infection

Although tooth decay does not show many early symptoms, once it progresses to involve the nerves inside your tooth, it can cause sudden sensitivity. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity because it results from enamel damage [2].

Likewise, a tooth infection can also cause sensitive teeth to happen suddenly. A tooth infection can result from tooth decay or an injured tooth—both causes of sensitivity to begin with.

It’s impossible to tell which one could be causing your sudden sensitive teeth without visiting your dentist for an exam.

Damaged Dental Restorations

A missing, damaged, or loose dental restoration has the potential to cause sudden sensitive teeth because the restoration is protecting more vulnerable natural teeth underneath it. Sudden sensitivity can happen when a filling falls out, a bridge becomes loose, or a dental crown is damaged.

Fillings, bridges, and crowns will all need to be replaced at some point, and if you suffer from teeth grinding or misuse your teeth, the restorations will be more at risk to become damaged and fall out. Your dentist can check the integrity of your restorations during your regular checkups.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is another common cause of sudden tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can progress without treatment to cause painful sensitivity and chewing as the result of gum recession and loose teeth [3].

Warning signs of gum disease include puffy, tender, or red gum tissue along with bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. The earlier you address and treat gum disease, the higher chance you have of reversing the condition and painful tooth sensitivity.

Overuse of Whitening Products

Although having whiter teeth can improve your smile, using whitening products as directed is crucial to protecting your teeth. Some people may overuse over-the-counter whitening products in an attempt to get whiter teeth faster, which can result in sudden tooth sensitivity [4].

The best way to safely get a whiter smile is with your professional dentist, who can whiten your teeth in just one day with brighter and more even results than store-bought kits.

Are You Experiencing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

If you have sudden tooth sensitivity, don’t wait to see your dentist. Sudden sensitivity is not normal and is usually indicative of a problem with your smile that would benefit from treatment sooner rather than later. Protect your teeth and prevent your sensitivity from getting worse by contacting your dentist!