At Smile Dental Center, we know that tooth sensitivity can be a sign of something deeper and we specialize in getting to the root of the problem. Beyond treating the symptoms, our experienced team will diagnose the underlying cause and create a personalized plan to provide lasting relief. Don’t ignore the signs – book an appointment to feel better, faster!
Tooth sensitivity never flies under the radar. You consume a hot or cold beverage, only to experience an aching or sharp pain around your gumline, or you bite into something sweet and it causes irritation. In response, you take precautions whenever you prepare a meal or a drink, brush your teeth or floss.
Behind the pain of tooth sensitivity, thinning enamel, receding gums or a tooth crack has exposed a nerve. Understand why this occurs and your options for treatment.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Your teeth become more sensitive when the outer protective layer wears away and exposes the dentin underneath. This area is known as the enamel above the gumline and the cementum below.
The dentin’s softer, more porous composition surrounds the pulp of each tooth, home to a bundle of nerves. Less protection ultimately puts these nerves in close contact with various stimuli and, when they react, you feel it.
Thinning dentin typically results from erosion. For example, consuming acidic foods or grinding your teeth. However, ongoing sensitivity may also result from a cavity, cracked tooth, gum disease or gum recession.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Causes of tooth sensitivity fall into one of three categories: physical contact that abrades the tooth or gum tissue, a sharp or sudden change in temperature, or chemical exposure that wears away the dentin and irritates the nerves below.
Your tooth sensitivity may have developed in response to one or more of these habits:
- Brushing Too Hard: This simultaneously wears away enamel and causes your gums to pull away from your teeth.
- A Gum Issue: Periodontal disease, inflamed gums and gum disease all gradually expose the roots of your teeth.
- A Cracked or Chipped Tooth: Exterior damage puts your nerves in direct contact with outside stimuli and bacteria.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: This can wear away the enamel over a series of teeth, and the effects may be present on one or both sides of the mouth.
- Overing Teeth Whitening Products: Years of applying over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpaste or gel may thin the enamel.
- Acidic Foods: Regularly drinking coffee, orange juice or lemonade, or cooking with acidic ingredients like tomatoes can contribute to erosion and sensitivity.
- Mouthwash: Certain mouthwashes clean away plaque with an acidic active ingredient, and sensitivity may occur after regular use.
- A Dental Procedure: Some sensitivity is expected after a filling, cleaning or restoration procedure, but should go away.
- Age: Over the years, thinning dentin can increase the risk of a chipped tooth.
How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity
Concerned about an aching or throbbing tooth that just won’t go away? Based on the cause, our dentists may recommend:
- Using a fluoride-enriched toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Using a softer-bristled brush or gentler brushing technique to minimize gum and tooth erosion.
- Limiting acidic foods in your diet.
- Switching to a less-acidic mouthwash, preferably formulated with fluoride.
- Wearing a mouthguard to address teeth grinding.
- Dental bonding, a treatment to cover exposed tooth roots and other sensitive areas.
- Dentin sealers, which offer a layer of protection for the exposed root.
- Fluoride varnish, applied to strengthen the tooth root against potential exposures.
- Gum grafting, which involves surgically extracting gum tissue from other parts of the mouth to stop gum recession and protect exposed tooth roots.
Having issues with a chipped or damaged tooth or inflamed gums? Don’t wait. We see emergencies same day!