Are Your Front Teeth Sensitive To Air?
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that can cause discomfort and interfere with eating and drinking. One common type of sensitivity is having front teeth sensitive to air, which can cause a sharp, shooting pain when your front teeth are exposed to certain temperatures.
In this article, we will explore some of the potential reasons why front teeth sensitive to air occurs, and discuss some possible treatments for this problem.
Table of Contents
How Tooth Sensitivity Works
Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and protects the inside layers of the teeth that houses the nerves. Front teeth sensitive to air respond by:
- A tooth comes in contact with air.
- The sensation travels through the tooth’s tubules leading to the nerves.
- The nerve signal travels to the brain feeling the sensitivity.
Top Reasons Why Your Front Tooth is Sensitive To Air
Dental sensitivity can range from slight discomfort to excruciating tooth pain. Having front teeth sensitive to air can interfere with daily life and be quite annoying. There are several common reasons why you may be experiencing a front tooth sensitivity to air.
1. Weak Enamel
Enamel is the hardest and most mineralized substance in the body. It’s the outermost layer of the tooth that serves as the protective shell. Enamel defends against harmful forces and sensitivity.
Enamel can be weakened by bacteria, sugar, and acid. Bacteria consume sugar in foods and produce acid on the teeth. The acid wears away at enamel and causes harm until it leads to a cavity. If you have front teeth sensitive to air, it may be because of your enamel.
You can also be born with compromised enamel. The two types of conditions affecting your tooth enamel development are Enamel Hypoplasia and Enamel Hypomineralization. These conditions can also be why you have a front tooth sensitive to air.
For more information on weakened enamel, check out our articles Caring For Teeth Without Enamel and Understanding Enamel Hypoplasia.
2. Cavities
Among adults, 90% have had at least one cavity. Cavities are one of the largest unmet health treatment needs. When plaque builds up on the tooth’s surface, bacteria will break down the enamel and cause decay.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can cause the front teeth sensitive to air. The bacteria will produce acid that eats away at the enamel and expose the inner layers of the tooth. If left untreated, the cavity will continue to grow and cause more pain and sensitivity.
To learn more about cavities, check out our articles below:
3. Gum Recession
Your gums are delicate tissues that help support and protect the teeth. Over time, the gums can be affected and pushed back from the teeth. This is called gingival recession. When the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed. Because the roots are not protected by enamel, they can cause sensitivity.
Gum recession can be caused by:
- A hard-bristled toothbrush
- Using too much pressure in brushing
- Clenching and grinding
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Plaque and bacteria
- Lip and tongue piercings
4. Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bones that surround teeth. If left untreated, the harmful bacteria can lead to permanent bone loss and gum recession.
As gum disease progresses, front teeth sensitive to air can occur. It’s important to work with your dentist and dental hygienist to stabilize the disease to prevent further pain and sensitivity.
For additional information on Periodontal Disease, check out our articles below:
5. Clenching and Grinding
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding your teeth. Over time, clenching and grinding. your teeth can put pressure on the teeth, gums, and surrounding ligaments. The continual force on the teeth can lead to bone loss and gum recession, both causing tooth sensitivity.
Our Consequences of Teeth Grinding article can help you learn more about clenching and grinding.
6. Recent Dental Work
Dental work, such as a filling or a root canal, can cause the front teeth to be sensitive to air. This is because the procedure can irritate and stress the nerves in the teeth, leading to sensitivity. The sensitivity is typically temporary and should resolve on its own over the course of a few weeks.
7. Sinus Pressure
When the sinuses are affected by infections or other common ailments, inflammation can occur. The swollen and inflamed sinuses can create pressure, pushing on the roots of the teeth. This can lead to hypersensitivity of the teeth and be a reason for front teeth sensitive to air.
How To Help A Front Tooth Sensitive To Air
The best way to treat a front tooth sensitive to air is to find the reason why. Targeting why your front teeth are sensitive to air can help find fast relief and protect the teeth from further discomfort.
Effective ways to relieve front teeth sensitive to air are:
- Good oral hygiene practices including brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes and flossing daily. Use a remineralizing toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel.
- Use sensitivity products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the reason why your front teeth are sensitive to air.
Why Is My Front Tooth Sensitive To Air? When To Contact The Dentist
If you’re experiencing sensitivity in your front teeth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Certain problems causing the sensitivity can get worse and cause excruciating dental pain. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the sensitivity and recommend the best course of treatment.
These treatments may include dental fillings, crowns, or root canals. Certain appliances like mouthguards can help provide relief and prevent further damage to the teeth. Professional fluoride treatments can also help improve tooth sensitivity.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to find the best course of treatment to relieve any dental pain or sensitivity.
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