
The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated, often due to the erosion or damage of enamel. Normally, enamel protects the inner layers of your teeth, but if it becomes too thin or breached, the underlying dentin is exposed, leaving the nerves vulnerable. Tooth sensitivity is often the result of various habits or conditions that wear down enamel.
Here are some common ways tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Consuming acidic foods and drinks, especially before bed.
- Neglecting routine oral hygiene, like flossing.
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Trying to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health conditions such as bulimia or acid reflux, which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease or gum recession.
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
- Untreated cavities.
- Use of tobacco, cannabis products, or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Excessive use of teeth whitening products.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first step when dealing with tooth sensitivity or discomfort is to visit your dentist. We can help rule out any underlying causes of your pain and provide treatment options for damage or decay found during your exam. With a proper diagnosis, you’ll be on the right path to relief. Here’s how the process works:
Identify the Cause
We start by thoroughly investigating your symptoms. You’ll describe the sensitivity, its frequency, and when it occurs. We may take new X-rays and perform tests such as tapping or cold tests to pinpoint the problem.
In-Office Treatment
If your teeth are damaged or decayed, there are many restorative options, from fillings to more advanced solutions like crowns. For enamel erosion, some treatments can be done at home, but there are also professional in-office treatments. We’ll walk you through your options, and the decision is yours.
Personalized Advice
Because tooth sensitivity can have many causes, your dentist will narrow down the specific reason for your discomfort. We’ll offer personalized tips and guidance to help strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future issues, ensuring long-term protection and comfort.
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 gently along the gumline twice a day using desensitizing toothpaste. Floss regularly and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Limit acidic and sweet foods like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you grind or clench your teeth, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to ease the tension in your jaw. Ultimately, to stop sensitive teeth pain for good, you’ll need to visit your dentist to identify the underlying cause.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene routine can reduce or even eliminate sensitivity. If enamel erosion is caught early and prevented from worsening, your enamel can partially repair itself, especially with fluoride treatments. However, tooth pain usually signals that something’s wrong, so it’s essential to have it checked out. If the dentin is exposed due to severe enamel damage, you may be at risk of infection or an abscess.
Yes, indirectly. Stress can lead to neglecting oral hygiene, increased consumption of sugary or acidic foods, or increased smoking. Stress can also cause teeth grinding or clenching, which many people do unconsciously, even while asleep, contributing to sensitivity.
Acidic, sweet, and starchy foods, as well as hard foods, can contribute to tooth sensitivity by wearing down enamel or damaging teeth.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, fruit juice, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, caramel, hard candies, ice cream, and soda.
- Simple starches: Doughnuts, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, cherries, and olives.
You don’t have to avoid these foods completely, just practice moderation and maintain a good oral care routine, especially before bed.
Low-acid, low-sugar foods are ideal for sensitive teeth. High-fibre foods and dairy products help promote saliva production, which protects your enamel. Aim for a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium. Some great options include:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, applesauce.
