Have you ever taken a sip of a cold drink and felt a sudden, sharp sensation in one of your teeth? Or perhaps you notice discomfort when eating something hot, sweet, or acidic. Tooth sensitivity is common, but that doesn't mean you have to simply live with it.
Sensitive teeth can have several causes, ranging from worn enamel and gum recession to cavities or other dental concerns. The right treatment depends on what's causing your sensitivity.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, we can help identify the source of your tooth sensitivity and recommend ways to protect your teeth and make everyday eating and drinking more comfortable.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Your teeth have a hard outer layer called enamel that protects the more sensitive structures underneath. When enamel becomes worn, or the gums recede and expose the tooth root, the underlying dentin can become exposed.
Dentin contains microscopic pathways that can allow sensations from hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks to reach the nerves inside the tooth more easily.
Some common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Enamel erosion: Frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks can gradually wear away enamel.
- Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can contribute to enamel wear and gum recession.
- Gum recession: Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth, which don't have the same enamel protection as the crowns.
- Tooth decay: A cavity can cause sensitivity, particularly when it becomes deeper.
- Cracked or damaged teeth: A crack or fracture can sometimes cause sensitivity when chewing or when exposed to temperature changes.
- Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding can contribute to enamel wear and may make teeth more sensitive.
- Recent dental treatment: Temporary sensitivity can occur after certain procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or professional teeth whitening.
Because sensitivity can have different causes, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
Some sensitivity can't be completely prevented, but there are several habits that can help protect your enamel and gums.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
You don't need to scrub your teeth aggressively to remove plaque. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure when brushing.
If you're unsure whether your brushing technique could be contributing to sensitivity or gum recession, ask your dental team to take a look.
Limit Frequent Acid Exposure
Acidic foods and beverages can weaken enamel over time. Citrus fruits, soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other acidic foods and beverages can contribute to enamel erosion, particularly when consumed frequently.
When you have acidic drinks, consider using a straw when appropriate and rinse your mouth with water afterward. It's also generally best to wait before brushing after significant acid exposure so you don't brush softened enamel.
Don't Skip Fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and can help protect against tooth decay. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste unless your dentist recommends a different product.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth, talk with your dentist. A custom nightguard may be recommended to help protect your teeth from excessive forces while you sleep.
Maintain Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental examinations allow your dentist to look for cavities, worn enamel, gum recession, cracks, and other issues that could contribute to sensitivity.
What Treatments Can Help Sensitive Teeth?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your dentist may recommend one or more approaches.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity for some patients. These products work by helping block pathways through the dentin or otherwise reducing the transmission of sensations to the tooth's nerve.
They generally need to be used consistently to provide the best benefit.
Fluoride Treatments
Your dentist may recommend a professional fluoride treatment or prescription-strength fluoride product to help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Bonding or Other Restorative Treatment
If sensitivity is caused by exposed tooth roots, worn areas, or certain types of tooth damage, your dentist may recommend a tooth-coloured bonding material or another restoration to cover and protect the affected area.
Treatment for Cavities or Damaged Teeth
If a cavity, crack, or other dental problem is responsible for sensitivity, treating the underlying issue is important. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment could involve a filling, crown, or another restorative procedure.
Treatment for Gum Problems
If gum recession or periodontal concerns are contributing to sensitivity, your dentist can evaluate your gum health and recommend appropriate treatment.
When Should You See a Dentist About Tooth Sensitivity?
Occasional sensitivity doesn't always indicate a serious problem, particularly if you've recently had dental treatment or started using a whitening product. However, persistent, worsening, or severe sensitivity should be evaluated.
You should contact your dentist if:
- Sensitivity continues or becomes more frequent
- One particular tooth is significantly more sensitive than the others
- You experience pain when biting or chewing
- Your tooth is sensitive to both hot and cold
- You notice a crack, chip, or visible damage
- You have swelling, pain, or other signs of infection
A dental examination can help determine whether your sensitivity is related to something simple, such as enamel wear, or whether it needs more involved treatment.
Don't Ignore Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can be frustrating, but there are many ways to manage it once the underlying cause has been identified. Changes to your brushing habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine may help, while professional treatments can address sensitivity caused by cavities, gum recession, enamel loss, or damaged teeth.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, we're here to help you understand why your teeth are sensitive and what you can do about it.
Experiencing tooth sensitivity? Contact Kanellis Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment and let us help find a solution to your discomfort.
