What is Tooth Sensitivity? A layer of enamel protects the crown of healthy tooth and cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. Whenever tooth loss/damages these protective layers, it allows heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This can leads to hypersensitivity and random discomfort and pain while eating, drinking or breathing through your mouth. Causes of Tooth Sensitivity Brushing too hard: This can wear down enamel and encourage gum recession. Consuming more acidic food and beverages: They may encourage enamel reduction and potential damage. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) or Clenching: Over time, these habits may lead to weak enamel. Chemicals in the toothpaste and mouthwashes: Especially contents of tooth whitening toothpaste and substandard mouthwashes leads to sensitivity. Alcohol or some chemicals present in mouthwashes may cause erosion of enamel layer. Peroxide-based bleaching solutions may cause damaged enamel. Gum diseases: Inflamed and sore gum tissue can leads to easy exposure of tooth roots with trigger factors. Excessive plaque: Plaque build-up can cause tooth enamel to wear away. Dental procedures: Short term tooth sensitivity may happen after a root canal, an extraction, or the placement of a crown. Usually, it disappears in few days after the procedure. Cracked teeth: Once a tooth is cracked, the nerve-rich pulp hidden deep inside may become sensitive or irritated when chewing. Tooth decay: Cavities formed in the teeth can increase the possibilities of exposure to trigger factors and periodic damage to enamel.