Various vitamin deficiencies have been proven to cause sensitive teeth. These include calcium, known for strengthening our bones. A lack of vitamin D can cause cavities, leading to sensitive teeth. Finally, a lack of vitamin B12 can increase the risk of suffering gum disease.
Vitamin B deficiencies can cause toothaches, receding gums and overall sensitivity of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Dental caries – Better known as cavities, dental caries are painful yet common dental problems—potentially made worse by low vitamin D levels. Aside from leaving you with sore teeth, dental caries may also lead to further infection if left untreated.
Once enamel starts to wear down, it exposes the layer beneath called dentin. This layer is full of tiny tubes that connect right to your nerves. These nerves are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. This explains the feeling of tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods and temperatures.
Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.
When your gums and teeth don't get the nutrients they need through the blood, they are much more susceptible to disease. Patients with anemia can get cavities, gum disease, ulcers, infections and even problems with the tongue, like soreness or pain.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
As your estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, you may notice sensitive teeth, painful gums, and other issues. Some people notice that things taste different during the menopausal transition. You may even develop something called burning mouth syndrome, which is just as unpleasant as it sounds.
Left untreated, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in adults, rickets in children and adverse outcomes in pregnant women. It may also be linked to heart disease, diabetes and cancer — although more study is needed on the topic.
Anemia. If your dentist notices symptoms like pale tissues and gums and a smooth tongue, it can be an indication of anemia. Dentists will also check for your medical history and current medications to understand if your other health conditions are causing you to be anemic.
Iron deficiency can also cause the appearance of sore, red, flaky cracks at one or both of the sides of your mouth. This feels more extreme than when your lips are chapped due to cold weather. Mouth ulcers are sore white patches on the inside your mouth.
Pernicious anemia causes the tongue's surface to look smooth and appear red instead of the pinkish color of a normal tongue. The tongue might also appear thick or beefy in texture. Some tongues might even be swollen or seem to have cracks.
If the pain or sensitivity becomes severe to the point where it prohibits the patient from carrying out their daily routine in a normal manner, then it is time to visit the dentist as soon as possible. There are several reasons why visiting the dentist for intolerable teeth sensitivity is important.
Other oral health concerns develop
Anytime sensitive teeth exist alongside other concerning symptoms, it is important to visit the dentist for diagnosis and treatment. In many instances, sensitive teeth are a symptom of a more concerning issue, such as gum disease, tooth infection or tooth damage.
Stress. Stress can lead to tooth damage if it causes you to grind your teeth, which in turn can cause tooth sensitivity, Ribeiro says. Because this grinding, called bruxism, often occurs when you're asleep, you might not realize you're doing it.
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.