The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain happens when the nerves in your teeth get irritated, usually because the enamel—the protective outer layer—gets worn down or damaged. When that happens, the inner layer of dentin becomes exposed, leaving the nerves vulnerable and causing sensitivity. This can be set off by different habits or conditions that wear away your enamel.
Ways Tooth Enamel Can Be Damaged:
- Consuming acidic foods and drinks, particularly before bed.
- Neglecting regular oral care, such as flossing.
- Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush.
- Using dental tools meant for professional use at home.
- Conditions like bulimia or acid reflux, which expose teeth to stomach acids.
- Gum disease or recession that is not treated.
- Having teeth that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged.
- Leaving dental cavities untreated
- Using tobacco, cannabis, or vaping products.
- Grinding or clenching teeth frequently.
- Excessive use of teeth whitening products.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re dealing with dental pain or discomfort, the best thing to do is see your dentist. They can find any underlying issues and treat any damage or decay they discover during your exam. Getting a proper diagnosis is key to finding the right relief. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We’ll thoroughly assess your situation without making assumptions. During your exam, you’ll be asked about the sensitivity you’re experiencing and how frequently it occurs. New X-rays might be needed, and your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and gums. Additional diagnostic tests, such as a tap test or cold test, may also be used to determine the cause of your discomfort.
Treatment in the Office
If your teeth are damaged or have decay, there are a few ways to restore them—from simple fillings to more advanced treatments like crowns. If your enamel is worn down, some things can be done at home, but we also offer effective in-office treatments. We’ll walk you through all your options so you can choose what’s best for you.
Personalized Advice
Since there are so many possible causes of tooth sensitivity, a detailed dental exam helps your dentist figure out what’s really going on. Once we know the cause, we can give you tailored tips and strategies to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay based on your needs.
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 and brushing twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste, being gentle around the gumline. Floss regularly and use a fluoride mouthwash. Try to limit acidic and sugary foods and beverages like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, particularly before bed. If you clench or grind your teeth, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease jaw tension. Ultimately, to address sensitive teeth pain permanently, it’s essential to see a dentist who can identify and treat the root cause.
In some cases, improving your oral hygiene at home can reduce tooth sensitivity. If your enamel is kept clean and protected from further erosion and decay, it has the potential to heal, especially with fluoride treatment. However, it’s important to remember that dental pain is a warning sign, indicating something may be wrong and needs to be checked. If the enamel is significantly damaged or decayed, exposing the dentin, there’s a risk of infection or an abscess that requires professional treatment.
Yes, indirectly. Stress can contribute to tooth sensitivity as it often leads to neglect in routine oral care, increased consumption of sugary or acidic foods, or smoking. Additionally, stress can cause grinding or clenching of teeth—sometimes unknowingly during sleep—which can further damage enamel and increase sensitivity.
Acidic, sweet, starchy, and hard foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods wear down enamel, while sweet and starchy foods feed oral bacteria that produce acid, further eroding enamel. Hard foods can directly damage or wear down teeth as well.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, other alcohols, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, and sugary drinks like juice and soda.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or hard kernels like popcorn, cherries, and olives.
You don’t need to avoid these foods entirely—moderation and regular cleaning, particularly before bedtime, can help manage sensitivity.
For sensitive teeth, opt for low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks, and meals. High-fibre foods and dairy products are great choices as they promote saliva production, which helps protect enamel. A balanced diet rich in protein and calcium supports overall oral health. Here are some options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Supper: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables on the side.
- Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, apple sauce.
- A varied and nutritious diet can help maintain strong teeth and reduce sensitivity.
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