Why Are Sensitive Teeth Susceptible To Pain?

Sensitive teeth can be a pain as they are quite important structures that allow us to chew and talk.
Why are sensitive teeth susceptible to pain?

Teeth are very important for our speech, for chewing food and the formation of food bolus. Of course, they are also aesthetically crucial. This is why sensitive teeth can not only be painful but can also affect us in many other ways.

We have all had toothaches at some point in our lives. It is a warning sign that something harmful is happening to our teeth. Read on here, because in today’s article we will explain about the reasons why teeth are so sensitive to pain.

Teeth layer and sensitive teeth

Teeth have three basic parts:

  • Roden. It is the part that is inside the gums – the invisible part of the tooth that is buried in dentin. The root is the tip of a tooth that is being pulled out.
  • Kronen. It is the part that protrudes from the dentin. It is visible.
  • Tooth necks. This is what connects the root to the crown.

There is a hole through which the blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth penetrate at the base of the root, forming what is referred to as the pulp. A layer of dentin covers and protects this pulp.

Dentin is made from minerals, which is more specifically calcium hydroxyapatite. As a result, this structure can protect against the ingress of harmful substances into the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth in question.

Woman with sensitive teeth takes care of mouth

Toothache can be due to many things.

Dentin, the protective layer

Dentin is formed by cells called odontoblasts, which are located between the dorsal part and the pulp. In addition, they have extensions that work through dentin.

When a change in the tooth such as cavities affects or destroys dentin, odontoblasts are able to repair it and thus the pulp is well protected.

However, dentin is not enough to protect the teeth. It requires an even harder substance to prevent breakage every time we chew or talk. This substance is the enamel.

The enamel, the hardest layer

Enamel is a very hard layer that consists exclusively of hydroxyapatite. Dentin is also made from this mineral, but to a lesser degree and concentration. Holes that come from the extent of odontoblasts also make it less resistant.

The enamel is white, hard and with a composition of 96% hydroxyapathy. The remaining 4% contains protein and water. Its composition consists of cells called ameloblasts, which form enamel before the tooth erupts.

When a tooth comes off, the ameloblasts break down and the enamel is never restored. As you can see, we have a limited amount of it for life, so it’s important to take care of it.

Cement, limen

This substance is around the root of the tooth just above the dentin. This layer is also softer than the enamel as it contains only 65% ​​hydroxyapatite.

The cement has two layers. One of them does not contain cells and is formed before the tooth comes up. Likewise, cement contains cementum cells and these produce minerals which are formed after the tooth has erupted due to the functional requirements.

The primary function of cement is to attach the fibers to the root cement – the layer that covers the bone around the tooth. It is like the glue that holds the tooth in the cavity.

Woman smiling with open mouth

A filling has different functions in the body and pain is a bad sign.

Why are teeth sensitive to pain?

We can answer this question if we know a little more about the anatomy of the tooth. As you can see, dentin has stretches of osteoblasts in it. That is,  there is communication between the dentin and the pulp where the nerve endings are.

The enamel does not recover, so it stops protecting the dentin when it breaks down or when holes in the teeth eventually break down. It is thus more susceptible to external factors. The holes in the dentin thus remain open and external stimuli can reach the nerve endings, leading to pain.

To prevent this from happening, you must practice proper oral hygiene. One should go to check at the dentist regularly and follow a healthy diet. It is the only way to preserve and protect the enamel and dentin.

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