Sensitive teeth, teeth that are sensitive to cold or heat, affect numerous people. It can be an extremely uncomfortable situation as individuals’ teeth are constantly coming into contact with hot and cold foods and beverages. The causes of sensitive teeth are varied and diverse.  
The Causes

• Reduced tooth enamel. Enamel is the hardest and mineralized substance in the body. It is one of the four major tissues which make up the tooth. This substance can be eroded due to overly hard tooth brushing, eating too many acidic foods, and drinking carbonated beverages.
• Tooth decay. Tooth decay is a destructive process that causes the decalcification of the tooth’s enamel. This causes the tooth to be more sensitive.
• Tooth abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled structure. In a tooth, it is a pus-filled structure caused by a tooth infection. If it is left untreated, a tooth abscess infection can spread to other areas of the body. These are generally the result of poor dental health.
• Dental abscess. A dental abscess is very similar to a tooth abscess except the infection and pus-filled lump are located in the bone or soft tissues of the jaw.  
• Recent dental work
• Gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds the teeth. If it is a continuing problem, the gum may pull away from the tooth leaving the root exposed and sensitive to heat and cold.
• Pyorrhea Alveolarsis. Pyorrhea Alveolarsis is a chronic case of periodontits and includes inflammation of the tooth socket.  
• Bulimia nervosa. The acid brought up from the stomach when an individual with bulimia nervosa purges food wears away the enamel of the teeth resulting in reduced tooth enamel.

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth and do not know why, contact Chicago dentist Dr. Bagai at 773-767-1554 to schedule your appointment.