The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain from sensitivity occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Typically, enamel acts as a protective shield for your teeth. Beneath the enamel is dentin, and at the core lies the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerve. When enamel wears down or is compromised, it exposes the dentin, leaving the nerve vulnerable to irritants like heat, cold, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity is usually the result of habits or conditions that weaken or damage the enamel, leading to this discomfort.
The Many Ways Tooth Enamel Can Become Damaged:
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed.
- Skipping regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing.
- Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles.
- Trying to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health conditions like acid reflux or bulimia that expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease or receding gums.
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
- Leaving dental cavities untreated.
- Using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of teeth whitening products.
These factors can erode or weaken your enamel, leading to sensitivity and other dental issues.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first and most crucial step when you experience tooth sensitivity or pain is to visit the dentist. We’ll examine your teeth to rule out any underlying issues and recommend treatments for any damage or decay. With a proper diagnosis, you can be confident that you’re addressing the problem correctly. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the process:
Figure out the underlying cause
We take a thorough approach to diagnosing your tooth sensitivity. During your exam, we’ll ask detailed questions about when and how often the sensitivity occurs. You may need new X-rays, and your dentist will carefully check your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic tools, such as a tap or cold test, may also be used to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment in the office
If your tooth sensitivity is due to damage or decay, we offer a range of restorative treatments. Options might include something as routine as a filling or more advanced solutions like crowns. For enamel that’s been worn down, home treatments may help, but we’ll also discuss available in-office treatments. You’ll be fully informed of your choices, and the decision is yours to make.
Personalized Advice
Tooth sensitivity can stem from various causes, but once your exam is complete, we’ll help narrow it down. Your dentist will provide personalized advice and tips to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent further issues, ensuring long-term oral health.
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
First, it’s important to replace your current toothbrush with one that has soft bristles, which is gentler on your teeth and gums. Brush twice a day using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, and make sure to clean along the gumline carefully. Floss regularly and use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your enamel. Limiting acidic and sugary foods or drinks such as coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice—especially before bedtime—can help reduce sensitivity. If you notice you’re grinding or clenching your teeth, try stress-relief methods like mindfulness or relaxation exercises to ease the pressure on your jaw. Ultimately, visiting the dentist is key to addressing the root cause of your sensitivity and finding a long-term solution.
In certain situations, improving your dental hygiene routine at home can alleviate tooth sensitivity. By keeping your teeth clean and preventing further erosion, your enamel has the chance to heal itself, especially with the assistance of fluoride treatments. However, it’s important to remember that dental pain is your body’s way of indicating something may be wrong. If the enamel is worn down to the point where the dentin is exposed, it’s possible you could be at risk for infection or an abscess, and professional treatment will be needed to address the issue.
Yes, stress can contribute to tooth sensitivity in an indirect way. When people are stressed, they may skip their regular oral care, snack on sugary or acidic foods, or increase smoking, all of which can weaken enamel and cause sensitivity. Additionally, stress often leads to teeth grinding or clenching, even during sleep, which can wear down enamel and expose the more sensitive layers of your teeth. This combination of factors can lead to increased discomfort and sensitivity over time.
Acidic and sugary foods, along with certain starchy and hard foods, can contribute to tooth sensitivity by wearing down enamel. Here’s a breakdown:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, caramel, hard candies, ice cream, and even sweet drinks like juice and soda.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cakes, bread, chips, crackers, and cookies, which turn into sugar in the mouth and can contribute to enamel erosion.
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits like cherries and popcorn can damage teeth and wear down enamel.
You don’t need to eliminate these foods from your diet—just practice moderation and make sure to maintain good oral hygiene, especially before bed.
When managing tooth sensitivity, focus on low-acid, low-sugar foods, and drinks. Fiber-rich foods and dairy products are excellent for promoting saliva production and strengthening enamel. Here are some options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, and black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery sticks, carrot sticks, apple slices, and cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, or meat and potatoes with vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, or applesauce.
These foods help promote oral health and reduce the risk of sensitivity.
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