The Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
To put it simply, tooth pain occurs when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Normally, your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, and at the core of the tooth is the pulp, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and the tooth’s nerve. When the enamel becomes too thin or is damaged, exposing the dentin, the nerve becomes unprotected. Tooth sensitivity is most often caused by various factors that erode or damage tooth enamel.
Ways Tooth Enamel Can Be Damaged:
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, particularly before bedtime
- Neglecting regular oral hygiene, including flossing
- Brushing too harshly or using a toothbrush with hard bristles
- Using professional dental tools at home without proper training
- Health conditions like bulimia or acid reflux that expose teeth to stomach acid
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession
- Cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth
- Leaving dental cavities untreated
- Using tobacco, cannabis, or vaping products
- Grinding or clenchin
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
The first and most crucial step when you experience tooth pain or discomfort is to visit the dentist. We can help identify any underlying causes of your tooth sensitivity and recommend appropriate treatments for any damage or decay detected during your exam. With a clear diagnosis, you’ll be confident that you’re on the right track. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Figure out the underlying cause
We won’t jump to conclusions. During your exam, we’ll ask you to describe your sensitivity and how frequently it occurs. You may need new X-rays, and your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and gums. Additional tests, like the tap or cold test, may also be useful in pinpointing the cause.
Treatment in the Office
Damaged or decayed teeth can be treated with a variety of restorative options, from simple fillings to more advanced procedures like crowns. If your enamel is worn down, some treatments can be done at home, but in-office treatments may also be an option. We will review all available options with you, and you’ll have the final decision.
Personalized Advice
As you can see, there are many different causes of tooth sensitivity. After your dental exam, your dentist will be able to pinpoint the exact cause and provide you with advice tailored specifically to your needs. We’ll offer recommendations to help strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay.
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 with desensitizing toothpaste. Be gentle when cleaning along the gumline. Floss regularly and use a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice, especially before bed. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try practising mindfulness or other relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. To eliminate sensitive teeth pain for good, you’ll need to see the dentist so we can identify the underlying cause.
Improving your at-home dental care can reduce tooth sensitivity by preventing further enamel erosion and decay, with fluoride treatments aiding the healing process. However, dental pain signals an issue that needs investigation. If the dentin is exposed due to severe enamel damage, there may be a risk of infection or abscess.
Stress can indirectly contribute to tooth sensitivity. When stressed, people often neglect their oral care, consume more sugary or acidic foods, or smoke more. Stress can also lead to teeth grinding or clenching, sometimes even while sleeping, without being aware of it.
Acidic foods wear down enamel, while sweet and starchy foods feed bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acidic byproducts that damage enamel. Hard foods can also erode enamel or risk damaging a tooth.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine, alcohol, fruit juices, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: Chocolate, jams, jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, and particularly juice and soda.
- Simple starches: Donuts, cakes, bread, potato chips, crackers, and cookies.
- Hard foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, or foods with pits or hard kernels, such as popcorn, cherries, and olives.
You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but it’s best to consume them in moderation. Pairing them with good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing, particularly before bed, can help minimize their impact on your teeth.
To help reduce sensitivity, aim for low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks, and meals. High-fibre foods and dairy are great for your teeth as they promote saliva production. A nutritious, balanced diet rich in protein and calcium is ideal. Here are some foods that can benefit your teeth:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese.
- Meals: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of veggies.
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta and berries, applesauce.
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