A member asked:

Please tell me the difference between cavity and sensitive teeth?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Joel Doyon answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Cavity is a hole: A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by bacteria and a food source resulting in acid attack causing the hole in the tooth. Sensitive teeth can be a result of recession of the gums exposing the roots and allowing hot, cold and sweets to affect the tooth, causing discomfort.

Answered 11/25/2013

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Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Cavity: A cavity is a hole caused by the acids that bacteria release, resulting in the demineralization of the enamel. Cavities are not always painful. Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of things, including recession, grinding, and attrition, all of which are not cavities.

Answered 11/25/2013

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Cavity ; sensitivity: A cavity is the destruction of tooth surface from acids produced by bacteria that utilize food debris. Not all cavities cause tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be caused by cavities; erosions; broken or defective restorations (fillings, crowns); occlusal trauma-bruxism; fractured teeth, nerve inflammation; root exposure; tooth brush abrasions, and merely hypersensitive nerves.

Answered 11/25/2013

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