The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
Let’s get straight to it—when your teeth hurt, it’s usually because the nerves inside are irritated. Normally, your teeth are shielded by a strong layer of enamel. Beneath that, there’s dentin, and at the very core is the pulp, which holds the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When enamel thins out or becomes damaged, the dentin is exposed, leaving your nerves unprotected. This is where tooth sensitivity kicks in.
Tooth sensitivity is often caused by habits or conditions that wear away or harm your enamel. Here are some common culprits:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed.
- Skipping proper dental care like brushing and flossing regularly.
- Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles.
- Trying to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health problems like acid reflux or bulimia, which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease or gum recession.
- Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or damaged.
- Cavities, especially when they’re left untreated.
- Using tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overusing teeth whitening products.
What to Do About Sensitive Teeth
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, the first and most important step is to visit your dentist. They’ll assess the situation, rule out any underlying causes, and recommend treatment options for any damage or decay they find. Getting a clear diagnosis gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re on the right path. Here’s what you can expect:
Identifying the Cause
We don’t rely on guesswork. During your exam, we’ll ask questions about your symptoms and how often you experience discomfort. You might need updated X-rays, and the dentist will carefully check your teeth and gums. Additional tests, such as tapping or cold sensitivity, may also help in pinpointing the problem.
Treatment in the Office
If there’s damage or decay, there are several restorative treatments available. It could be something straightforward, like a filling, or more advanced, like a crown. If your enamel is worn down, there are both at-home and in-office treatments that can help. We’ll walk you through all the options, and you’ll decide what feels right for you.
Customized Guidance
Since tooth sensitivity can stem from many different causes, your dentist will offer personalized advice once the exam is complete. 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
The first step is to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste, paying extra attention to gently clean along the gumline. Don’t forget to floss and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. It’s also a good idea to avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth, try relaxation techniques like mindfulness to ease the tension in your jaw. Ultimately, you’ll need to visit the dentist to determine the root cause and stop the sensitivity for good.
In some cases, improving your oral care routine at home can help alleviate tooth sensitivity. When teeth are kept clean and protected, enamel has a chance to repair itself, especially with the help of fluoride treatments. However, dental pain is often a sign that something more serious is going on and needs to be checked by a dentist. If the enamel is too damaged and the dentin is exposed, you could be at risk for infection or an abscess.
Yes, stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. When we’re stressed, we might neglect our oral care routine, eat more sugary or acidic foods, or even smoke more. Stress can also cause teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes without even realizing it, especially during sleep. All of these factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity over time.
Certain foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity by wearing down the enamel or damaging your teeth. Here’s a breakdown:
- Acidic foods: Acids weaken your enamel over time. Watch out for foods and drinks like coffee, wine, fruit juice (especially citrus!), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which produce acid that wears down enamel. Be mindful of chocolate, jams, caramel, hard candies, ice cream, and again, juice and soda.
- Simple starches: Starchy foods can turn into sugars in your mouth, leading to acid production. Common culprits include donuts, cake, bread, chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or kernels (like popcorn, cherries, and olives) can chip or damage teeth.
You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and follow good oral hygiene practices, especially brushing before bed!
If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, aim for low-acid, low-sugar options. High-fibre foods and dairy products are great for your teeth, as they help promote saliva production, which protects your enamel. A balanced diet with plenty of protein and calcium will also support your dental health. Here are some tooth-friendly foods you can enjoy:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Supper: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, or meat and potatoes with a side of vegetables.
- Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, or applesauce.
These foods will help support your enamel and keep tooth sensitivity in check!
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