The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves in your teeth are exposed due to the thinning or damage of tooth enamel. The enamel protects the dentin and nerve inside the tooth, but when it wears away, sensitivity can occur.
Common causes of enamel damage include:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed
- Skipping routine oral care, like flossing
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard toothbrush
- Using professional dental tools at home
- Health issues like bulimia or acid reflux
- Untreated gum disease or gum recession
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Untreated dental cavities
- Tobacco, cannabis use, or vaping
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Overuse of teeth whitening products
Maintaining proper oral care can help protect enamel and prevent sensitivity.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first step in addressing tooth pain or discomfort is to see your dentist. A thorough exam will help identify the underlying cause of your sensitivity, allowing for a tailored treatment plan. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
Your dentist will ask about the sensitivity, its frequency, and other details. X-rays and tests, like the tap test or cold test, may be needed to identify the source of the problem.
Personalized Advice
Since tooth sensitivity can have various causes, your dentist will offer tips and advice tailored to your specific needs, helping you strengthen enamel at home and prevent 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, brush twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste, and gently clean along the gumline. Floss and use a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods and drinks, especially before bed. If you grind your teeth, try relaxation techniques. For lasting relief, see your dentist to identify the underlying cause.
Improving your dental hygiene can stop tooth sensitivity. Keeping teeth clean and preventing further decay may help enamel heal, especially with fluoride treatment. However, dental pain is a sign of an issue that needs attention. If enamel damage is significant, it can expose the dentin, risking infection or abscess.
Yes, stress can indirectly cause tooth sensitivity. Stress may lead to neglecting oral care, indulging in sugary or acidic foods, or teeth grinding, which can wear down enamel. Some people grind their teeth while sleeping without realizing it.
Acidic, sweet, and starchy foods can wear down enamel or feed bacteria that produce harmful acids. Common culprits include:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, caramel, sugar, hard candies
- Simple starches: Donuts, bread, chips, crackers
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, foods with pits or hard kernels (e.g., popcorn, cherries)
While it’s best to practice moderation, regular cleaning, especially before bed, helps prevent damage.
Choose low-acid, low-sugar foods that promote dental health:
- Drinks: Water, green or black tea
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrots, apple slices, cheese
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat with vegetables
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta, berries, apple sauce
A balanced, nutritious diet rich in protein and calcium is ideal for sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity may improve with improved dental care, such as using desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding triggers. However, if the sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s important to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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