The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Normally, teeth are protected by a layer of enamel, with dentin underneath and pulp at the core, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the enamel thins or is damaged, it exposes the dentin, leaving the nerve unprotected, which leads to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.
Ways Tooth Enamel Can Be Damaged:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed
- Skipping routine oral care, including flossing
- Brushing aggressively or using a hard toothbrush
- Using professional dental tools at home
- Health issues like bulimia or acid reflux that expose teeth to stomach acid
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Untreated cavities
- Using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Overuse of teeth whitening products
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first step when experiencing dental pain or discomfort is to see your dentist. We can rule out other potential causes of tooth pain and recommend treatments for any damage or decay detected. With a proper diagnosis, you’ll have confidence in the next steps. Here’s how we break down the process:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We won’t make assumptions. During your exam, we’ll ask you to describe the sensitivity and how often it occurs. You may need new X-rays, and the dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic tests, like a tap test or cold test, may be used to help with the diagnosis.
Treatment in the Office
Damaged or decayed teeth can be treated with a range of restorative options, from simple fillings to more complex procedures like crowns. For worn enamel, you may have some at-home treatments, but there are also in-office treatments available. We’ll discuss all the options with you, and you’ll have the final say.
Personalized Advice
There are many potential causes of tooth sensitivity. After your dental exam, we’ll narrow it down and provide personalized tips to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future decay.
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-bristled toothbrush and brush gently twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste, especially along the gumline. Floss and use a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, particularly before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, try practicing relaxation techniques. To fully address tooth sensitivity, it’s best to see the dentist so we can identify the underlying cause.
In some cases, improving dental hygiene can help stop tooth sensitivity. If the enamel is protected from further erosion, it may gradually heal. Fluoride treatments can also assist in the process. However, dental pain indicates something is wrong and should be investigated. If the enamel is too damaged and the dentin is exposed, there may be a risk of infection or abscess.
Yes, stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. Stressed individuals may neglect their oral care, consume more sweet or acidic foods, or even grind or clench their teeth, often unconsciously, especially while sleeping.
Acidic and sugary foods can damage enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. Examples include:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jam, caramel, hard candies, ice cream, and juice.
- Starchy foods: Donuts, cake, bread, chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, and foods with pits or hard kernels (popcorn, cherries, olives).
Moderation and regular brushing, especially before bed, can help reduce sensitivity.
To reduce tooth sensitivity, opt for low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks. High-fiber foods and dairy products are excellent for your teeth. Here are some tooth-friendly options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrots, and cheese
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat with veggies
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta, berries, and applesauce
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