The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the nerves in your teeth become irritated, often due to thinning enamel. The enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth, and beneath it lies dentin, which covers the tooth’s pulp that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When the enamel wears down or gets damaged, it exposes the dentin, leaving the nerve unprotected and sensitive. This sensitivity can lead to discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to recognize the signs and consult your dentist about possible treatment options.
The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Acidic Foods: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed.
- Neglecting Dental Care: Skipping flossing and routine care.
- Aggressive Brushing: Using a hard toothbrush or brushing too forcefully.
- Improper Tool Use: Attempting to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health Issues: Conditions like bulimia or acid reflux exposing teeth to stomach acid.
- Gum Disease: Untreated gum disease and gum recession.
- Physical Damage: Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth.
- Untreated Cavities: Dental cavities that remain unaddressed.
- Tobacco Use: Using tobacco products or vaping.
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding or clenching teeth.
- Whitening Products: Overuse of teeth whitening products.
Recognizing these signs can help you address tooth sensitivity effectively.
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re dealing with sensitive teeth, the first thing you should do is see your dentist. This is crucial for ruling out any underlying issues causing your discomfort and for getting recommendations on treating any damage or decay found during your appointment. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Identify the Underlying Cause
Your dentist won’t jump to conclusions. During your exam, you’ll discuss your sensitivity and how often it occurs. You might need new X-rays, and your dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Additional tests, like a tap test or cold test, can help pinpoint the problem.
In-Office Treatment
If your teeth are damaged or decayed, there are several restorative options available, ranging from fillings to more complex procedures like crowns. For enamel that’s worn down, there may be home treatment options, but your dentist can also recommend effective in-office treatments. You’ll be involved in the decision-making process, ensuring you have the final say.
Personalized Advice
Since many factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, your dentist will help narrow down the specific cause during your exam. You’ll receive tailored tips and tricks to strengthen your enamel at home and help prevent future decay, ensuring you feel empowered to take care of your dental health.
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 soft-bristled toothbrush, brush gently with desensitizing toothpaste twice daily, and floss regularly. Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash and avoid acidic or sweet foods and drinks, especially before bed. If you grind your teeth, practice relaxation techniques. Ultimately, visit your dentist to identify and address the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
Sometimes, yes! If you improve your dental hygiene, you might be able to reverse tooth sensitivity by preventing further erosion and decay, especially with fluoride treatments. However, if you’re still experiencing persistent pain, it’s a sign that something more serious may be going on, and it’s best to get it checked out. Severe enamel damage that exposes the dentin can put you at risk for infections or abscesses.
Absolutely! Stress can indirectly lead to tooth sensitivity. When you’re stressed, you might skip your oral care routine, indulge in more sweet or acidic foods, or even grind your teeth without realizing it, often while you sleep. All of these factors can contribute to that sensitive feeling in your teeth.
Certain foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity by wearing down enamel or feeding harmful bacteria in your mouth. Acidic foods like coffee, wine, fruit juices (especially citrus), soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar can erode enamel. Sweet foods, including chocolate, jams, caramel, sugar, hard candies, and ice cream, produce acids that damage enamel, with juice and soda being particularly problematic. Simple starches like donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies also play a role. Additionally, hard foods such as ice, hard candies, and foods with pits or hard kernels (like popcorn, cherries, and olives) can risk damaging teeth. While it’s best to enjoy these foods in moderation, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, especially before bed, can help protect your teeth.
To help manage tooth sensitivity, focus on low-acid, low-sugar foods and drinks. High-fiber foods and dairy products are particularly beneficial as they promote saliva production, which helps protect your teeth. Aim for a nutritious, varied diet rich in protein and calcium. Good options include water, green tea, and black tea for drinks; snacks like raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, and apple slices; and meals like stir-fries, salads, wraps, and meat with vegetables. For dessert, consider yogurt, ricotta with berries, or applesauce.
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