The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
To get right to the point, tooth pain happens when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Normally, our teeth are covered in a protective layer of enamel. On the inside, there is a layer of material called dentin and then the pulp at the core of the tooth which is filled with connective tissue, blood vessels and the nerve of the tooth. If enamel becomes too thin or there’s a breach exposing the dentin, the nerve is no longer protected. Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by any number of practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.
The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages– especially before bed.
- Skipping routine tooth 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) which 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 products or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of some teeth whitening products.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
The first and most important step after noticing tooth sensitivity or dental pain is booking a visit with your dentist. We can rule out other underlying causes of your tooth pain and recommend treatment for any damage or decay found during your exam. With a proper diagnosis, you can feel confident you’re heading in the right direction. Let’s break down the whole process:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We won’t make assumptions. During your exam, you’ll be asked to describe your tooth sensitivity and how often it occurs. You may need new x-rays, and your dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Other diagnostic tests, like a tap test or cold test, can also help confirm your diagnosis.
Treatment in the Office
Teeth that are damaged or decayed can be treated with several restorative options, from something as common as a filling to more involved procedures like crowns. For worn enamel, some cases can be managed at home, but in-office treatments are also available. We’ll walk you through all your options so you get the final say.
Personalized Advice
As you can see, tooth sensitivity can stem from many different causes. Once your dental exam is complete, your dentist can really narrow things down for you. We’ll share tips tailored specifically to your needs to help strengthen your enamel at home, prevent future decay, and get the most out of your routine teeth cleaning visits.
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
Swap your old toothbrush for one with soft bristles. Brush twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste, taking care to gently clean along the gumline. Floss regularly and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you catch yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try mindfulness or other relaxation techniques to give your jaw a well deserved break. To stop tooth sensitivity for good, book a visit with your dentist so we can pinpoint the underlying cause once and for all.
Acids wear away tooth enamel. Sweet and starchy foods feed bacteria in your mouth, which produces an acidic byproduct that erodes enamel further. Hard foods can also wear down enamel or risk cracking a tooth.
- Acidic foods: coffee, wine and other alcohols, fruit juice and fruits (especially citrus!), soda pop, tomatoes, pickles and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: chocolate, jam and jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream and an extra special mention again for juice and soda!
- Simple starches: doughnuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers and cookies.
- Hard foods: chewing ice, chewing hard candies, or chewing foods with a pit or hard kernel such as popcorn, cherries and olives.
- This doesn’t mean you need to avoid these foods entirely. Simply practice moderation and clean your teeth routinely, especially before bed.
Not necessarily. Many cases of tooth sensitivity improve with desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatment, and better oral hygiene habits. Ongoing or worsening sensitivity should always be checked by your dentist.
Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your gums and increase your risk of gum inflammation, which may lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
Yes, as enamel naturally wears down and gums gradually recede over time, tooth sensitivity tends to become more common with age.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
