The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Typically, your teeth are covered by a protective layer of enamel. Beneath the enamel is dentin, and at the core of the tooth is the pulp, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When enamel thins or becomes damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve inside the tooth loses its protection, leading to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is most often caused by practices or conditions that erode or harm the enamel.
Common causes of tooth enamel damage include:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed.
- Skipping regular oral care routines, including flossing.
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Attempting to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health conditions like bulimia or acid reflux, which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession.
- Cracked or chipped teeth.
- Untreated dental cavities.
- Using tobacco products, cannabis, or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of teeth whitening products.
Understanding these causes can help you avoid tooth sensitivity and protect your smile for years to come.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first and most crucial step when experiencing dental pain or discomfort is to visit your dentist. This allows us to rule out any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments for any damage or decay found during your appointment. With a formal diagnosis, you can feel confident about the next steps. Here’s how the process works:
Identify the Underlying Cause
We don’t make assumptions. During your exam, you’ll describe the sensitivity and how often it occurs. X-rays may be taken, and the dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic tests like the tap or cold tests might be necessary to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment in the Office
Teeth that are damaged or decayed can be addressed with various restorative treatments, ranging from fillings to more complex procedures like crowns. If enamel is worn down, you may be able to treat it at home, but we also offer in-office treatments for more significant issues. We’ll discuss all available options with you, and you’ll have the final say on your treatment plan.
Personalized Advice
As you’ve seen, there are many potential causes of tooth sensitivity. After your dental exam, your dentist will narrow down the specific cause and provide tailored advice to help you manage sensitivity. We’ll offer tips and tricks to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay, ensuring long-term relief and protection.
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
Start by switching to a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing gently along the gumline twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, consider practicing relaxation techniques to relieve tension in your jaw. For long-term relief, visit your dentist to identify the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene can help stop tooth sensitivity. By preventing further erosion and decay, your enamel may heal. Fluoride treatment can support this process. However, if the enamel is severely damaged or decayed, exposing the dentin, an infection or abscess may occur, and professional treatment is necessary.
Stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. People under stress may neglect their oral hygiene, consume more sweet or acidic foods, or smoke more frequently. Additionally, stress can cause teeth grinding or clenching, often happening during sleep without awareness.
Acidic, sweet, and starchy foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Acids wear down enamel, while sugar and starch feed harmful bacteria that produce acids. Hard foods can also damage enamel or break teeth. Common culprits include:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, caramel, hard candies, sugar, ice cream, and especially juice and soda.
- Starches: Donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers, cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, and foods with pits or hard kernels (e.g., popcorn, cherries, olives).
While you don’t need to avoid all of these foods, moderation and consistent oral hygiene—especially before bed—will help protect your teeth.
Opt for low-acid, low-sugar foods and beverages that promote dental health. High-fiber foods and dairy, which help produce saliva, are beneficial for tooth sensitivity. Here are some options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, lean meats, potatoes with veggies.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta cheese with berries, apple sauce.
Enjoying a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support enamel health and reduce sensitivity.
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