The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity arises when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated due to exposed dentin. Normally, a protective layer called enamel shields your teeth. Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, and at the core is the pulp, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When the enamel becomes too thin or is breached, it exposes the dentin, leaving the nerves vulnerable to external stimuli like hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
Common Causes of Tooth Enamel Damage
Various practices and conditions can erode or damage tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity:
- Consuming Acidic Foods and Beverages: Frequently eating or drinking acidic items—especially before bed—can wear down enamel.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Skipping routine brushing and flossing allows plaque buildup, which can harm enamel over time.
- Aggressive Brushing: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too forcefully can erode the enamel layer.
- Improper Use of Dental Tools at Home: Attempting to use professional dental instruments without proper training can damage tooth surfaces.
- Medical Conditions: Health issues like bulimia or acid reflux expose teeth to stomach acids, leading to enamel erosion.
- Untreated Gum Disease and Recession: Gum disease can cause gums to recede, exposing the sensitive roots of teeth.
- Dental Damage: Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth can expose dentin and nerves, increasing sensitivity.
- Untreated Cavities: Dental cavities that aren’t promptly addressed can penetrate enamel and affect deeper tooth layers.
- Use of Tobacco and Vaping Products: Smoking, using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping can contribute to enamel deterioration.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth wears down enamel over time.
- Overuse of Whitening Products: Excessive use of certain teeth whitening products can weaken and damage enamel.
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s important to consult a dental professional. They can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments to alleviate discomfort and protect your teeth.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
Experiencing tooth sensitivity can be both uncomfortable and worrisome. The first and most important step is to visit a dentist. We can help rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain and recommend treatments for any damage or decay detected during your appointment. With a formal diagnosis, you can feel confident that you’re moving in the right direction. Let’s break down the process:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We begin by understanding your specific symptoms. During your examination, you’ll be asked to describe the sensitivity and how often it occurs. You may require new X-rays, and the dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Diagnostic tests like the tap test or cold test can also aid in pinpointing the cause of your discomfort.
Treatment in the Office
If your teeth are damaged or decayed, we offer a variety of restorative options—from common fillings to more complex procedures like crowns. For worn-down enamel, there are both in-office treatments and at-home solutions available. We’ll discuss all your options with you, and you’ll have the final say in your treatment plan.
Personalized Advice
Given the many potential causes of tooth sensitivity, a comprehensive dental exam allows us to narrow down the specific issue. We can provide you with personalized tips and strategies to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay. Our goal is to ensure you leave our office with a clear understanding of how to manage and alleviate your tooth sensitivity.
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
To reduce tooth sensitivity, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently with desensitizing toothpaste twice daily. Maintain good oral hygiene by flossing and using a fluoride mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks, especially before bedtime. If you grind or clench your teeth, practice stress-reduction techniques or consult your dentist about a mouthguard. Visiting your dentist is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Improving your oral hygiene can sometimes reduce tooth sensitivity, as enamel can remineralize with proper care and fluoride treatment. However, if the enamel is significantly worn or dentin is exposed due to decay or damage, professional dental treatment is necessary. Persistent tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further complications.
Yes, stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. High stress levels may cause you to neglect oral hygiene, consume more acidic or sugary foods, or grind and clench your teeth—all of which can damage enamel and increase sensitivity. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or professional support can help protect your oral health.
Tooth sensitivity often results from the erosion or damage of tooth enamel, exposing the nerves inside your teeth. Certain foods contribute to this enamel wear. Acidic foods like coffee, wine and other alcohols, fruit juices (especially citrus fruits), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar can wear down the enamel due to their high acid content. Sweet foods such as chocolate, jams and jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, and again, juice and soda feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acidic byproducts that erode enamel. Simple starches like donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies break down into sugars that feed these bacteria, leading to further acid production. Hard foods can physically damage your enamel or teeth; chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods that may contain pits or hard kernels like popcorn, cherries, and olives can pose a risk. This doesn’t mean you need to avoid all these foods entirely. Practicing moderation and maintaining good oral hygiene, especially before bed, can help protect your enamel.
To support your enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, focus on consuming low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks, and meals. High-fibre foods and dairy products are excellent for your teeth because they promote saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Aim for a nutritious, varied diet rich in protein and calcium. You can enjoy drinks like water, green tea, and black tea. Healthy snacks include raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, and cheese. For meals, consider stir-fries, salads, wraps, or meat and potatoes with a side of vegetables. Desserts like yogurt, ricotta cheese with berries, and applesauce are good choices. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage tooth sensitivity and promote overall oral health.
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