The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Under normal conditions, a protective layer of enamel covers your teeth, shielding the sensitive inner layers. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, and at the tooth’s core is the pulp, which houses connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When enamel thins or is breached, the dentin and nerves are exposed, leading to discomfort or pain, especially when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods.
- Consuming acidic foods or beverages, especially before bed.
- Skipping routine oral hygiene, such as brushing and 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 that expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease or gum recession, exposing tooth roots.
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
- Untreated cavities.
- Using tobacco, cannabis, or vaping products.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of teeth whitening products.
Tooth sensitivity often results from practices or conditions that wear down or damage enamel, including:
Recognizing and addressing these causes can help protect your enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, ensuring healthier, more comfortable teeth. Regular dental check-ups are key to identifying and preventing enamel damage before it becomes a problem.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first step to addressing tooth sensitivity is visiting your dentist. A professional evaluation can rule out underlying causes of your discomfort, such as decay or damage, and help identify the most effective treatment options. Here’s how the process typically works:
Identify the Underlying Cause
We start with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint what’s causing your sensitivity. During your exam, we’ll ask about your symptoms and how often they occur. Diagnostic tools like X-rays, a tap test, or a cold test may also be used to determine the exact issue.
In-Office Treatments
If your tooth sensitivity is due to damage or decay, restorative treatments like fillings or crowns can repair the problem. For enamel wear, there are options available, both at home and in-office, to help rebuild and protect the enamel. We’ll discuss all the possibilities with you, ensuring you’re fully informed and in control of your treatment plan.
Personalized Advice
Tooth sensitivity has many potential causes, and a dental exam helps narrow them down. Once we identify the issue, we’ll provide tailored recommendations to help strengthen your enamel, prevent future problems, and keep your teeth healthy and comfortable. Sensitive teeth can often be managed effectively with the right diagnosis and care, helping you enjoy a pain-free smile. Schedule an appointment to take the first step toward relief!
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 use desensitizing toothpaste. Brush twice daily, gently cleaning along the gumline. Floss regularly and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you clench or grind your teeth, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. To permanently address tooth sensitivity, visit your dentist to determine and treat the underlying cause.
Sometimes, improving oral hygiene can stop tooth sensitivity. Keeping your teeth clean prevents further enamel erosion and decay, allowing enamel to heal with the help of fluoride treatments. However, persistent dental pain signals a problem that needs professional attention. If enamel damage exposes dentin, you could be at risk for infection or abscesses, which require prompt treatment.
Stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. It may cause neglect of oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweet or acidic foods, or smoking. Stress can also lead to teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes during sleep, which can wear down enamel and contribute to sensitivity.
- Certain foods can erode enamel, feed harmful bacteria, or physically damage teeth:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, caramel, jams, candies, ice cream, juice, soda.
- Simple starches: Bread, potato chips, crackers, cookies, cake, donuts.
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, popcorn, cherries, olives (with pits).
- You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely—just enjoy them in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene, especially before bed.
Choose low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks. High-fiber foods and dairy are excellent for strengthening teeth and promoting saliva production. Aim for a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium. Here are some tooth-friendly options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Nuts, raisins, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, applesauce.
These choices can help manage tooth sensitivity and support overall dental health.
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