The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Normally, our teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. Beneath the enamel is dentin, and at the core of the tooth lies the pulp, filled with connective tissue, blood vessels, and the tooth’s nerve. When enamel becomes too thin or is damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve is no longer protected, leading to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is often caused by practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.
Common Causes of Enamel Damage:
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed
- Skipping routine dental care, including flossing
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard toothbrush
- Using 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, chipped, or damaged teeth
- Untreated dental cavities
- Using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Overuse of certain teeth whitening products
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first and most important step when experiencing dental pain or discomfort is to visit your dentist. We can help identify the underlying cause of your tooth pain and recommend treatments for any damage or decay found during your appointment. With a proper diagnosis, you’ll be confident in the next steps. Here’s how the process works:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We won’t make assumptions. During your exam, you’ll describe the sensitivity, including how often it occurs. You may need new X-rays, and the dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic tests, such as the tap test or cold test, may also be helpful in pinpointing the cause.
Treatment in the Office
Damaged or decayed teeth can be treated with restorative options, from fillings to more complex treatments like crowns. For worn-down enamel, some treatments can be done at home, while in-office procedures may also be available. We’ll walk you through all the options and leave the final decision to you.
Personalized Advice
Since there are many potential causes of tooth sensitivity, a thorough dental exam will help your dentist narrow down the issue. You’ll receive personalized advice on how to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth 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 toothbrush with soft bristles and use desensitizing toothpaste twice a day. Gently clean along the gumline and floss regularly. Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash and avoid acidic and sweet foods like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice—especially before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, try mindfulness or relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. However, to stop sensitivity for good, visit your dentist to determine the underlying cause.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene can help prevent further erosion and decay, allowing your enamel to heal. Fluoride treatments can significantly aid this process. However, dental pain often signals something more serious, so it’s essential to investigate the cause. If your enamel is too damaged and dentin is exposed, you may be at risk for infection or abscesses.
Stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. People under stress may neglect oral care, indulge in sugary or acidic foods, or smoke more. Additionally, stress can cause teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes while you sleep without realizing it.
Acidic and sweet foods can wear down enamel, leading to sensitivity. These include:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, and soda.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, and foods with pits or hard kernels, like popcorn and olives.
While it’s not necessary to avoid all of these, practicing moderation and cleaning your teeth regularly—especially before bed—is essential.
To help with sensitivity, eat low-acid, low-sugar foods. High-fiber foods and dairy promote oral health. Here are some options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat, and potatoes with veggies
- Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta, berries, and apple sauce
A balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of protein and calcium supports healthy teeth and helps prevent sensitivity.
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