The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves inside your teeth are irritated. Normally, your teeth are protected by enamel, but when it wears down or gets damaged, the dentin beneath is exposed, leaving nerves unprotected. This leads to sensitivity.
Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed
- Neglecting proper dental care, like brushing and flossing
- Brushing too hard or using stiff-bristled brushes
- Using professional dental tools at home
- Health issues like acid reflux or bulimia, which expose teeth to stomach acid
- Gum disease or gum recession
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth
- Untreated cavities
- Using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Overusing teeth whitening products
If you experience sensitivity, it’s important to address the cause and seek proper care.
What to Do About Sensitive Teeth
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, the first step is to visit your dentist. They will assess the situation, rule out any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatments. A clear diagnosis ensures you’re on the right path to relief. Here’s what you can expect:
Identifying the Cause
We don’t rely on guesswork. During your exam, we’ll ask about your symptoms and how often you feel discomfort. You may need updated X-rays, and the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. Tests, such as tapping or cold sensitivity, might be performed to pinpoint the issue.
Customized Guidance
Since tooth sensitivity can have various causes, your dentist will provide tailored advice after your exam. They’ll share tips to strengthen your enamel and prevent future sensitivity, ensuring you have a plan to keep your teeth healthy at home.
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 soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste. Focus on gently cleaning along the gumline and don’t forget to floss and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, try relaxation techniques like mindfulness to reduce jaw tension. Ultimately, visit your dentist to identify the root cause and stop the sensitivity for good.
Improving your oral care routine at home can help alleviate sensitivity, and fluoride treatments can assist in enamel repair. However, tooth pain often signals an underlying issue that needs to be examined by a dentist. If enamel is too damaged and the dentin is exposed, there’s a risk of infection or an abscess.
Yes, stress can contribute to tooth sensitivity. It may lead to neglecting oral care, consuming more sugary or acidic foods, or smoking more. Stress can also cause teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, which can damage your teeth and lead to sensitivity.
Certain foods can exacerbate tooth sensitivity by wearing down enamel or causing damage:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice (especially citrus), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Sugar feeds bacteria, which produce acid that erodes enamel. Be mindful of chocolate, jams, caramel, hard candies, and ice cream.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, chips, crackers, and cookies can turn into sugars in your mouth.
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, or foods with pits (like popcorn, cherries, and olives) can chip or damage teeth.
Enjoy these foods in moderation and follow good oral hygiene, especially brushing before bed!
For tooth sensitivity, choose low-acid, low-sugar foods. High-fibre foods and dairy products are great as they promote saliva production, which protects enamel. A diet rich in protein and calcium also supports dental health. Here are some tooth-friendly options:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, or meat with vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, or applesauce.
These foods help support enamel and keep sensitivity at bay!
Learn of the many ways we've enhanced the smiles and dental experiences of so many clients in the St. Thomas area.
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
Really Accessible
Amazing Implant Experience
Fantastic Dental Service
