The most common cause for sensitivity is due to exposed “dentin”. Dentin is the second layer of tooth (see photo below). This portion of the tooth is soft, porous and full of nerve fibers. The dentin exposed to stimuli causes the sensitivity.
Plaque buildup
Another entirely preventable problem that can cause a similar sensation is when plaque builds up on your teeth, especially at the gum line. The 'fuzzy' feeling you experience when you run your tongue on your teeth may well be an indication that plaque is present which can be a precursor to gum disease.
Ideally, your teeth should feel smooth even when you run your tongue over them, especially after brushing. However, this is not always the case as there are many instances where people experience an odd texture on their teeth which they've never experienced before.
If your teeth feel loose, it is likely due to one of three main causes: gum disease, trauma or bruxism. Of these, gum disease is the most common cause.
Dentin, the spongy layer underneath enamel, contains thousands of tubules. This means that once the enamel layer has been worn away, temperatures, acids from food, and bacteria may irritate the nerve. Again, as a result, you may experience a tingling sensation in the affected tooth.
The most common reason you might be experiencing pain when you put pressure on that tooth is dentin hypersensitivity, also known as tooth sensitivity. Dentin hypersensitivity is caused by the exposure of your dentin (the layer under your tooth enamel).
You will initially feel a dull pain in your mouth which gradually builds into severe discomfort. If you contact your dental care provider immediately, they can help you alleviate the discomfort making it less likely to need a dental Surgeon to provide intensive treatments.
Baby and permanent teeth are both slightly pliable because of your periodontal ligaments, the small muscle fibers that hold the roots of your teeth in place. Although some movement is normal, if a tooth can move more than 1 mm, it has greater mobility than it should.
Not only is it possible for your teeth to shift over time – it's actually normal. Your teeth will continue to move ever so slightly over the course of your life toward the front and centre of your mouth – a process known as mesial drift.
The mandibles are strong bones that can generate a lot of power when they open and close. This power is the exact reason why your teeth should only touch when you're eating. In fact, the continued unnecessary impact that happens can take a toll on your teeth, gums, and jaw over time.
The tip of your tongue should rest gently behind your top front teeth. The border of your tongue should be gently in contact with the roof of your mouth, right where the teeth and gums meet. Your teeth should be slightly apart with your jaw very relaxed.
A little plaque is on your teeth all the time; it doesn't matter how much you brush. That's why we all are prone to the fuzzy feeling on our teeth – we've all got plaque! When plaque builds up, it creates an acid. This acid is powerful and starts to damage the teeth enamel.
When this happens, the harsh ingredients in your toothpaste cause the cells lining the insides of your cheeks to slough off, and as they collect in your mouth, this creates the white, slimy, stringy stuff.
Bleeding gums are, more often than not, a surefire sign your teeth may be falling out. Seeing your gums bleeding every day when brushing your teeth may be a sign of developing Periodontitis. It can cause tooth loss as it is an infection of the gums.
If it gets slightly loose because of a mild injury, it will tighten on its own once the root heals over time. However, a dental visit is required for a severely loose tooth (that moves even at the slightest touch).
Rinsing with saltwater can sometimes help soothe swollen gums and flush bacteria out of the mouth, but it can't tighten loose teeth that are caused by dental disease or injuries. If you have symptoms of a loose tooth, it's always best to contact your dentist immediately to ensure you receive the correct treatment.
When a patient has a chipped tooth, it means that a small portion of their tooth is no longer there. Chipped teeth are one of the more common types of dental problems that general dentists deal with. However, chipped teeth do not grow back on any portion of a tooth and instead need to be repaired by a general dentist.
You don't want to brush or floss a loose tooth because it can make the situation worse; however, you still need to keep your mouth clean. Carefully brush and floss your other teeth and rinse your mouth with a warm salt and water mixture.
If it hurts when you put pressure on your tooth, and that sensitivity lasts for weeks or months without improvement, a root canal might be in your future. Prolonged tooth sensitivity is typically the result of a damaged root, and these won't heal on their own.
Because the damage is usually hidden from sight, it can be difficult for your dentist to give an accurate timescale of when the nerve injury should heal. If the damage is very severe, there is a chance that the injury will not get better and any symptoms experienced may be long-term or permanent.
Electric pulp testing (EPT) – your endodontist will first clean and dry the tooth and then use a battery-operated device to pass a safe, low voltage current through it. Selective anesthesia – this test may sometimes be used to pinpoint referred pain or generalized pain.
Signs you have an infected tooth include: Severe toothache. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Difficulty swallowing.
"It is critical to see your dentist as soon as you feel any pain from pressure," explains Dr. Kevin Walker, DDS. "Most likely, that pain is your body signaling that something is wrong. Whether it's a cracked tooth, infection, or cavity it is best to take care of it early to prevent it from getting worse."