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 the pulp at the core, containing the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When enamel wears thin or is compromised, it exposes the dentin, leaving the nerve unprotected. Tooth sensitivity is often the result of various practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.
Common causes of tooth enamel damage include:
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed
- Skipping routine dental care, like flossing
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard toothbrush
- Attempting to use 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, chipped, or damaged teeth
- Dental cavities, especially when untreated
- Using tobacco products, cannabis, or vaping
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Overuse of teeth whitening products
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re experiencing toothache or discomfort, the first and most important step is to visit your dentist. This allows us to rule out other potential causes of your pain and recommend the right treatments for any damage or decay. A professional diagnosis will guide you toward the most effective solution. Here’s what to expect:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
During your exam, we’ll ask you about the sensitivity you’re experiencing—how often it occurs and the triggers. New X-rays may be taken, and your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and gums. Additional tests, like a tap or cold test, may be used to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment in the office
For teeth that are damaged or decayed, restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns may be necessary. If the issue is worn enamel, in-office treatments can help. Home remedies might also be effective, but we will discuss all options with you, and you’ll have the final say.
Personalized Advice
Tooth sensitivity can have many causes, and after your dental examination, your dentist will pinpoint the exact issue. We’ll provide tailored advice on how to strengthen your enamel at home and techniques to prevent further tooth decay, helping you maintain healthy teeth in the future.
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 brush gently twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste. Be sure to floss and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods and drinks, such as coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice—especially before bed. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension. For lasting relief, visit your dentist to identify the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene routine can help alleviate sensitivity. By preventing further erosion and decay, your enamel can recover, especially with fluoride treatments. However, dental pain signals an issue that needs attention. If your enamel is worn down and the dentin is exposed, you may be at risk for an infection or abscess.
Yes, stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. Stress often causes people to neglect oral hygiene, indulge in acidic or sugary foods, or smoke more. It can also lead to teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes even while you sleep, which can wear down tooth enamel over time.
Acidic and sugary foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity by wearing down enamel or feeding bacteria that produce acid, further damaging your teeth. Common culprits include:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice (especially citrus), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jam, caramel, hard candies, ice cream, and especially juice and soda
- Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, chips, crackers, and cookies
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or kernels, like popcorn, cherries, and olives
While you don’t need to avoid these entirely, moderation is key, and regular cleaning is essential, especially before bed.
Opt for low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks that help protect your teeth. High-fiber foods are great, as are dairy products, which encourage saliva production. Here are some tooth-friendly options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meats with vegetables, potatoes
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, apple sauce
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