There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. Some of them can be serious dental problems that require visiting a dentist. Most dental sensitivity causes involve the deterioration of the protective layer covering the dentin, others may be referred to as underlying health problems. 

Below are 9 unexpected culprits of tooth sensitivity to be aware of. 

1. Eating acidic foods

Eating acidic foods can damage your tooth enamel and trigger sensitivity. Acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles might cause discomfort if the paths to your nerves are exposed. However, eliminating certain foods might help you avoid dental discomfort. 

2. Sinus infection

Sinusitis is an infection that causes the inflammation of the sinuses. Discomfort in the upper back teeth is a common sign of sinusitis that often can be confused with teeth sensitivity. The sinuses are two empty areas in your skull connected to your nasal cavity. When you have sinusitis, the tissues in those areas become inflamed, causing discomfort in the upper teeth.

3. Chewing ice

While tooth enamel is the strongest material in your body, grinding something like ice cubes or candies may wear it down exposing the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth. Unlike the enamel, dentin includes the hollow tubes that go to your nerves. This leads to discomfort when eating particular foods. 

4. Tooth whitening

Professional teeth whitening procedures rarely cause tooth sensitivity because the dentist uses special solutions that don’t damage the tooth enamel. But using extremely strong whitening solutions or whitening teeth too often with home remedies, can damage the enamel and lead to sensitivity. Working with your dentist and following the manufacturer's recommendations will help lessen your risk of tooth sensitivity.

5. Brushing too hard

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a firm-bristled toothbrush. Over time, aggressive brushing can wear the protective covering of your teeth and expose small hollow tubes or canals that go to tooth nerves. Tooth sensitivity and pain can occur when these tubes are exposed to severe temperatures and acidic or sticky meals. You can buy a softer toothbrush and ask your dentist to show you the right toothbrushing technique. 

6. Receding gums

Gums are pink tissue that surrounds the base of the tooth and covers the bone to protect the nerve endings. But because of factors like age, smoking, and poor oral hygiene, your gums may wear down, resulting in gum recession. Because of the recession, the roots of your teeth are exposed, making you more susceptible to dental infections. Gum recession can also make your teeth more sensitive than they were previously.

7. Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the world's most common health issues. Cavities are permanently damaged areas of your teeth's surface. It leads to the development of small gaps or holes in your tooth. Toothache, spontaneous pain, tooth sensitivity, or pain that appears for no apparent reason are all common symptoms of tooth decay. If you have symptoms of tooth decay, visit a dental specialist as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. 

8. Eating or digestive disorders

Over 89 percent of people with eating disorders show signs of dental problems. Bad breath, sensitive teeth, and enamel erosion are just a few of the symptoms that may result from eating disorders. For people who suffer from bulimia, the caustic stomach acid from frequent vomiting damages tooth enamel, increasing the risk of dental decay. The consequences of anorexia may include the lack of nutrients that are necessary for strong enamel.

9. Stress

Stress is a widespread issue that can often lead to teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can damage tooth enamel and contribute to tooth sensitivity. Because this grinding (called bruxism) typically occurs when you are asleep, you may be unaware of this problem. Teeth grinding can result in a variety of issues, ranging from tooth damage to migraines and hearing problems.