The signs and symptoms of tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity happens when the nerves inside your teeth are irritated. Each tooth is protected by an outer layer called enamel. Beneath that is dentin, and at the center is the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the enamel wears down or the dentin becomes exposed, your tooth can start to react painfully to temperature, pressure, or certain foods.
Tooth sensitivity is usually the result of something that damages or erodes your enamel. Let’s look at some common causes.
How tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Frequently eating or drinking acidic items, especially before bed
- Skipping daily oral care like flossing
- Brushing too hard or using a stiff bristled toothbrush
- Trying to use dental tools at home
- Health conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia
- Gum recession or untreated gum disease
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Cavities that have been left untreated
- Smoking, vaping, or using cannabis products
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Overuse of some whitening products
What can you do about sensitive teeth?
If you are experiencing dental pain or discomfort, the first step is to book an appointment. We will check for any signs of decay, erosion, or injury, and help identify what is causing your sensitivity.
Step one: Find the cause
We will ask you questions about your symptoms, how often they occur, and what seems to trigger them. You may need new X-rays or diagnostic tests like a cold test or tap test. Once we have a clear picture, we can provide the right treatment plan.
In-office treatment options
Depending on the condition of your teeth, we might recommend a filling, a crown, or other restorative work. If your enamel is thin or worn, fluoride treatment or bonding may help strengthen the surface. We will walk you through your options so you can decide what works best for you.
Personalized home care tips
Tooth sensitivity has many possible causes. Once we know the reason for yours, we can offer tips tailored to your unique needs. With the right advice, you can help rebuild your enamel at home and prevent future problems.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Switch to a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste made for sensitivity. Brush twice a day, especially along the gumline, and floss daily. Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks like coffee, soda, and juice before bed. If you tend to grind your teeth, try relaxation exercises to ease the pressure on your jaw. Most importantly, come in for an exam so we can determine the real cause of your pain.
In some cases, yes. Improving your oral hygiene and using fluoride products can help your enamel repair itself. But if your enamel is severely damaged or if dentin is already exposed, you may be at risk of infection. Any ongoing dental pain should always be checked by a dentist.
It can. Stress can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth, which wears down enamel over time. People under stress may also skip their usual oral care, snack on sugary treats, or smoke more than usual, all of which can add to the problem.
Acidic, sugary, and hard foods can all contribute to tooth sensitivity.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juices, citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, vinegar
- Sugary items: Candy, chocolate, soda, ice cream, jams
- Starches: Bread, crackers, cookies, cakes, chips
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, fruit pits
You do not need to avoid these entirely, but moderation is key. Always brush before bed and rinse your mouth with water after having acidic or sweet snacks.
Look for low-acid, low-sugar options. Foods that promote saliva, like cheese and fibrous vegetables, are great choices. A balanced diet with enough calcium and protein also helps.
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea
- Snacks: Apples, carrots, celery, cheese, nuts
- Meals: Stir fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, unsweetened applesauce
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