The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Normally, your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. Beneath this is the dentin, and at the tooth’s core lies the pulp, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When the enamel is worn down or damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve becomes vulnerable, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Various habits or conditions can wear down or harm the tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity.
Common causes of enamel damage include:
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages—especially before bed
- Skipping routine oral care, including flossing
- Brushing 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
- Damaged, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Dental cavities (especially if left untreated)
- Using tobacco products, cannabis, or vaping
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Overuse of teeth whitening products
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, the first and most important step is to visit your dentist. This allows us to rule out other potential underlying causes of your tooth pain and recommend appropriate treatments for any identified damage or decay. With an accurate diagnosis, you’ll be confident in taking the right steps for relief. Here’s the process:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
Our approach is thorough and evidence-based. During your examination, we’ll ask you to describe the nature and frequency of your sensitivity. It may be necessary to take new X-rays, and the dentist will carefully inspect your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic methods, such as the tap test or cold test, may also be used to help diagnose your condition accurately.
Treatment in the Office
If your teeth are damaged or decayed, there are various restorative treatments available, ranging from basic fillings to more complex procedures like crowns. If you’re dealing with worn enamel, some treatments can be done at home, but there are also professional in-office options. We will discuss all these alternatives with you to ensure you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Personalized Advice
Tooth sensitivity can stem from a variety of causes. After completing a thorough dental examination, your dentist will identify the specific cause of your sensitivity. Based on this, we’ll offer personalized advice and techniques tailored to your needs. These recommendations will focus on strengthening your enamel at home and helping to 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
Start by switching to a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brush twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste and be gentle along the gumline. Floss daily 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 notice yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques to relieve jaw pressure. However, to fully stop sensitive teeth pain, it’s important to visit the dentist so we can determine the underlying cause.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene can help stop tooth sensitivity. By keeping your teeth clean and preventing further erosion or decay, your enamel can actually repair itself. Fluoride treatment significantly aids this process. However, it’s important to note that dental pain is a sign that something is wrong and should be addressed. If the enamel is severely damaged or decayed, exposing the dentin, you could be at risk for infection or an abscess.
While stress doesn’t directly cause tooth sensitivity, it can contribute to it. Stress can lead to neglecting oral care, consuming more sugary or acidic foods, or smoking more. It can also cause you to grind or clench your teeth, sometimes even while sleeping without realizing it!
Foods that are acidic, sweet, or hard can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods like coffee, wine, citrus fruits, soda, and tomatoes can wear down enamel. Sweet foods, including chocolate, candy, and sugary drinks like soda and juice, feed bacteria in your mouth, which produces acids that also damage enamel. Starchy foods like donuts, chips, and bread can have a similar effect. Hard foods like chewing ice or hard candies can also damage teeth. While you don’t need to completely avoid these foods, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation and maintain a good oral hygiene routine, especially before bed.
For tooth sensitivity, choose low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks that promote oral health. High-fibre foods are great, and dairy is beneficial as it helps stimulate saliva production. A balanced diet with plenty of protein and calcium is ideal. Here are some foods you can enjoy:
- 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, applesauce
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