The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
In simple terms, tooth pain occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become exposed or irritated. Normally, the enamel serves as a protective outer layer for your teeth. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, which surrounds the pulp—a core filled with connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When the enamel wears down or the dentin becomes exposed, the nerve is no longer shielded, leading to sensitivity. This condition is typically linked to various habits or conditions that weaken or damage tooth enamel.
How Tooth Enamel Can Become Damaged:
- Consuming acidic foods and drinks, particularly at night.
- Neglecting regular oral hygiene, such as flossing.
- Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles.
- Trying to use professional dental instruments at home.
- Health conditions like acid reflux or bulimia that expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Gum disease or receding gums that are left untreated.
- Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged.
- Untreated cavities that worsen over time.
- Smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or cannabis products.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially during sleep.
- Excessive use of certain teeth whitening products.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re dealing with sensitivity or tooth discomfort, your first priority should be scheduling a dental visit. Your dentist can identify the root cause, check for any underlying issues, and recommend treatment for any detected damage or decay. A professional evaluation ensures you’re heading in the right direction to resolve the problem.
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We take a detailed approach to diagnosis. During your examination, you’ll describe your sensitivity, including its frequency and triggers. Your dentist may recommend X-rays and will carefully inspect your teeth and gums. Other diagnostic tools, such as cold application or tapping, may also assist in identifying the problem.
Treatment in the Office
If your teeth have damage or decay, restorative solutions like fillings or crowns may be necessary. Enamel erosion may be treated with at-home remedies or professional in-office treatments. Your dentist will outline all available options, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your care.
Personalized Advice
Given the numerous potential causes of sensitivity, your dentist will narrow it down during your visit. They’ll offer specific guidance tailored to your needs, helping you protect your enamel and reduce the likelihood of future issues.
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 it twice daily with a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity. Be gentle when brushing along the gumline, and don’t forget to floss and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Minimize your intake of sugary and acidic foods or drinks, like soda, coffee, wine, and fruit juice, especially at night. If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, try relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises to reduce tension in your jaw. To resolve the pain completely, a visit to the dentist is necessary to identify and treat the cause.
Improved oral hygiene can sometimes help reduce tooth sensitivity. By keeping your teeth clean and preventing further enamel erosion or decay, it’s possible for enamel to rebuild itself, especially with the support of fluoride treatments. However, it’s important to remember that tooth pain may signal an underlying issue. If the enamel is significantly worn or the dentin is exposed, you could risk an infection or abscess, which will require professional attention.
Stress may indirectly contribute to sensitivity. Under stress, people often neglect their oral care, consume more sugary or acidic foods, or smoke more frequently. Stress can also lead to clenching or grinding your teeth, sometimes even while sleeping, which can exacerbate sensitivity.
Certain foods and drinks can damage enamel, leading to sensitivity. Acidic items erode enamel, while sugary or starchy foods encourage bacterial growth that produces harmful acids. Hard foods can also wear down or damage teeth.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, caramel, jams, candy, ice cream, and sugary drinks like soda and juice.
- Simple starches: Bread, crackers, potato chips, cookies, and pastries.
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, and foods with pits or kernels, such as popcorn, cherries, or olives.
You don’t need to avoid these entirely—enjoy them in moderation and make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly, especially before going to bed.
Focus on foods and drinks that are low in sugar and acid. High-fibre options and dairy products are excellent choices as they promote saliva production, which protects enamel. A balanced diet rich in protein and calcium will also support your oral health.
- Drinks: Water, black tea, and green tea.
- Snacks: Nuts, raisins, cheese, celery sticks, carrots, and apples.
- Meals: Salads, stir-fries, wraps, or meat and potatoes with a side of vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, applesauce, or ricotta topped with berries.
