What Causes Sensitive Teeth and How To Treat Them

Sensitive teeth can turn enjoyable moments like sipping a hot coffee or eating ice cream into uncomfortable experiences. This issue affects many people and can vary from mild discomfort to sharp, intense tooth pain. Understanding what causes sensitive teeth and the treatments available can help you regain comfort in your daily life.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity happens due to the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) wearing down or gums receding, which exposes the softer dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny tubes connected to nerve endings, so when it’s exposed, external factors like hot or cold foods and drinks, acidic foods, or even cold air can lead to sensitivity.

Here are some of the common causes of tooth sensitivity:

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing your teeth with too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue, causing gums to recede over time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle technique helps protect both your gums and tooth enamel, reducing the risk of sensitivity.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

If tooth decay or gum disease is left untreated, it can expose tooth roots and lead to sensitivity. Bacteria buildup and plaque along the gum line can wear down the tooth structure and irritate gum tissue, making teeth sensitive. Regular dental appointments for professional cleanings can prevent these issues from progressing.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Consumption of acidic foods and drinks like citrus, soda, or vinegar-based dressings too often can erode enamel over time, increasing sensitivity. Balancing acidic foods with neutral options and rinsing your mouth with warm water after consuming them can help reduce this effect.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, whether at night or during the day, puts excessive pressure on teeth, which can lead to enamel wear. Grinding also strains tooth roots and can make teeth more sensitive. Using a mouth guard provided by your dentist can protect your teeth from this damage.

Dental Procedures

Some dental treatments, like whitening, fillings, or cleanings, can temporarily lead to tooth sensitivity. Typically, this is short-term and subsides within a few days. However, if sensitivity persists, it’s best to call your dentist.

Home Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

If you’re experiencing mild tooth sensitivity, you can try several at-home methods to manage the discomfort.

Switch to a Desensitizing Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste is formulated with ingredients that block nerve signals, reducing pain. Regular use over a few weeks can bring noticeable relief for many people with mild sensitivity. Sensodyne is an easy to find option at most pharmacies or grocery stores.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush While Gently Brushing

Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush can reduce the impact on enamel and gum tissue. When brushing your teeth, apply minimal pressure and use circular motions rather than back-and-forth scrubbing.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping up with good oral hygiene is key in preventing sensitivity. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to keep teeth strong and healthy. Fluoridated toothpaste can help strengthen tooth enamel, creating a protective barrier against sensitivity.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Cutting back on acidic foods and drinks or following them with a water rinse can help protect enamel. If you enjoy acidic beverages like coffee or soda, using a straw can help minimize contact with teeth.

Wear a Mouth Guard

If you grind your teeth, using a mouth guard at night can protect your enamel from wear and prevent tooth pain. Our dental clinic can fit you for a custom guard that comfortably protects your teeth while you sleep.

Professional Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

Visit a dental professional for more persistent or severe tooth sensitivity. At Axiom Dental, we offer several treatments tailored to each patient’s needs to help manage and reduce sensitivity.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments are commonly used to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. Fluoride is applied directly onto the teeth in a high-concentration form to help create a barrier that protects teeth from hot, cold, and acidic foods.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can be an effective and cost-friendly solution for exposed tooth roots or damaged enamel. In this procedure, a resin material is applied to the exposed areas to create a protective layer. Bonding can greatly reduce sensitivity in affected areas by covering exposed dentin and tooth roots.

Gum Grafts

For individuals with receding gums, a gum graft can help reduce sensitivity. This procedure involves taking tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, and attaching it to areas where gums have receded. Gum grafts protect sensitive areas and reduce discomfort by covering exposed tooth roots.

Root Canal Therapy

If sensitivity is due to severe damage or decay affecting the tooth pulp, a root canal may be necessary. This process removes infected tissue from inside the tooth, eliminating pain and sensitivity caused by deep-rooted issues.

Mouth Guard for Bruxism

If teeth grinding is a factor in your sensitivity, a custom-made mouth guard can be very effective. By reducing pressure on teeth, mouth guards prevent enamel wear and help control sensitivity caused by grinding.

Additional Tips for Managing Tooth Sensitivity

While treatments can help, lifestyle habits play an essential role in managing sensitivity. Here are some additional tips:

• Use Lukewarm Water: Avoid extremely hot or cold water when rinsing or drinking. Warm water is gentler on sensitive teeth and reduces the risk of pain.
• Brush After Meals, Not Right After Acidic Foods: Wait 30-40 minutes before brushing after eating acidic foods. This allows saliva to neutralize acids, protecting enamel from being scrubbed away.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine dental checkups help catch early signs of sensitivity, decay, and gum disease. Professional cleanings also help to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to enamel erosion and gum problems.

When to Call Axiom Dental for Sensitive Teeth

While mild sensitivity can often be managed at home, seeking professional help is essential if you experience persistent or worsening sensitivity. Symptoms like sharp pain, sensitivity to sweet or acidic foods and drinks, or discomfort in specific areas could indicate underlying issues like gum disease, cavities, or damage to tooth roots.

At Axiom Dental, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care to help you manage sensitive teeth. Through fluoride treatments, dental bonding, and other professional options, we will create a customized treatment strategy that meets your needs and restores your comfort.

Call us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s work together to bring you lasting relief from tooth sensitivity.