Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth hypersensitivity has many causes. In the age range of 3-6 years old bottle decay, improper diet and poor oral hygiene are primary causes. Ages 7-12 improper diet, poor oral hygiene, dental developmental malformations, and crainio-facial imbalances associated in many cases with upper respiratory problems. Adolescents ages 12-18 manifest para-functional habits such as Bruxism and Clenching that can be tied to other preexisting health problems, but are generally manifestations of stress of some sort. Poor dietary habits, improper brushing and eruption problems with wisdom teeth are often common causes. Young adults 18-25 commonly are plagued with headache and hypersensitivity associated with impacted wisdom teeth. In combination with life stresses at this point, this age group begin to show signs of tooth wear and diseases of the periodontium as continued poor diet and improper hygiene have cumulative effects. Adults in their 20's and
30's appear to level off and or cope with hypersensitivity to a degree. As their habits improve and priorities change due to a sense of maturity or necessity. Adults in the range 40 -70 experience a broad variety of hypersensitivity problems and a condition known as Abfraction plays a predominate role in many cases. Periodontal disease is prevalent and many by this time have lost one or more teeth on either side of their mouths which leads to occlusion problems. Emotional stress is commonly a factor and Cracked Tooth Syndrome is common sequelae. Adults 70 and above experience hypersensitivity to a lesser degree because as we age our teeth become less susceptible; a natural physiological balance in the orofacial complex so to speak. Those patients who have kept the majority of their teeth are generally healthier and tend to lead more active lifestyles. Hypersensitivity may be experienced more from the perspective of wear, a condition know as
Attrition.
All in all good oral hygiene, good dietary habits and checkups 1-2 times per year with a dental professional will decrease the likelihood of suffering with hypersensitivity and lead to keeping your teeth for a lifetime.