The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Typically, a layer of enamel protects your teeth, shielding the underlying dentin and the pulp at the core, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When enamel becomes too thin or dentin is exposed, the nerves lose their protection, resulting in sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is often caused by practices or conditions that damage or erode tooth enamel. Here are some common culprits:
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed.
- Neglecting routine oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing.
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Using professional dental tools improperly at home.
- Health issues like bulimia or acid reflux, which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease or gum recession.
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
- Untreated dental cavities.
- Tobacco use, cannabis products, or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of teeth whitening products.
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to identify the cause and take steps to address it. Professional dental care can provide effective solutions to protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity, helping you maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, the most important first step is to visit the dentist. This allows us to rule out underlying causes and recommend the most effective treatments for any damage or decay. With a formal diagnosis, you can feel confident about addressing the problem. Here’s what the process looks like:
Figure Out the Underlying Cause
We’ll start by understanding the source of your sensitivity. During your exam, you’ll describe the sensitivity and how often it occurs. We may perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, the tap test, or the cold test, to identify any underlying issues. The dentist will also examine your teeth and gums thoroughly.
Personalized Advice
With so many potential causes of tooth sensitivity, personalized care is essential. Once your exam is complete, we’ll pinpoint the exact cause and provide tailored recommendations to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future sensitivity.
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 and brush twice a day using desensitizing toothpaste. Gently clean along the gumline, floss daily, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods or drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, particularly before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease the strain on your jaw. For long-term relief, visit your dentist to determine the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene can alleviate tooth sensitivity. Keeping teeth clean and using fluoride treatments can help enamel heal and strengthen. However, persistent pain indicates a deeper issue, such as exposed dentin, which could lead to infection or an abscess. Professional dental care is essential to address these risks.
Yes, stress can indirectly cause tooth sensitivity. Stress often leads to neglected oral care, indulgence in sweet or acidic foods, and increased smoking. Stress may also cause teeth grinding or clenching, which wears down enamel and increases sensitivity. Grinding is particularly tricky because it often happens during sleep without your awareness.
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity:
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, soda, citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, candy, jams, caramel, ice cream, and sugary drinks.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cake, bread, crackers, potato chips, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candies, or foods with pits like cherries and popcorn.
You don’t need to avoid these completely, but practice moderation and maintain good oral hygiene, especially before bed.
Low-acid, low-sugar foods are ideal for sensitive teeth. High-fiber foods and dairy promote saliva production, which helps protect enamel. A varied, nutritious diet rich in protein and calcium is also beneficial.
Examples include:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Nuts, raisins, celery, carrots, apples, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, apple sauce.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help support strong enamel and reduce sensitivity.
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