If a sip of cold water, a hot coffee, or a bite of ice cream sends a sudden jolt through your tooth, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply put up with it.
Sensitive teeth can have several different causes. Sometimes the solution is as simple as changing your toothpaste or brushing habits. Other times, sensitivity can be a sign that a tooth needs attention from your dentist.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Your teeth are protected by a hard outer layer called enamel. Below the enamel is dentin, which contains tiny channels that lead toward the nerve inside the tooth. When dentin becomes exposed, hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods can trigger those familiar sharp sensations.
Some common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Worn or thinning enamel. Acidic foods and drinks, tooth grinding and years of normal wear can gradually affect enamel.
- Gum recession. When gums recede, part of the tooth root can become exposed. Roots aren’t protected by enamel in the same way the crowns of your teeth are.
- Brushing too aggressively. More pressure doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. Scrubbing hard with a firm toothbrush can contribute to gum recession and tooth wear.
- Cavities or damaged fillings. Sensitivity in one particular tooth may be a sign of decay or a filling that needs attention.
- Cracked teeth. A crack can sometimes cause sharp sensitivity, particularly when biting or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes.
- Teeth whitening. Temporary sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening treatments and usually improves after treatment is finished.
- Recent dental treatment. Teeth can sometimes be temporarily sensitive after procedures such as fillings, crowns or professional cleanings.
Does Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Actually Work?
It can.
Desensitizing toothpastes contain ingredients designed to either reduce sensitivity at the nerve or help block the tiny pathways through the dentin that allow sensations to reach it.
The important part is consistency. Sensitive-tooth toothpaste generally isn’t an instant fix. Regular use over time is usually needed to get the full benefit.
A fluoride toothpaste can also help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay.
What Can I Do At Home?
If your teeth are generally sensitive rather than suddenly painful, a few simple changes may help:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure when brushing. Try a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and avoid frequently exposing your teeth to highly acidic foods and drinks.
If you grind or clench your teeth, particularly at night, talk to your dentist. A night guard may be recommended to help protect your teeth from further wear.
When Should I See a Dentist About Tooth Sensitivity?
Sensitivity isn't a diagnosis; it's a symptom.
If sensitivity is new, getting worse, affecting only one tooth, lingering after something hot or cold, or accompanied by pain when biting, it’s worth having it checked.
A dentist can determine whether the problem is exposed dentin or something else, such as a cavity, cracked tooth, worn filling, gum recession or inflammation inside the tooth.
Treatment depends on what’s causing the sensitivity and might include fluoride or desensitizing treatments, a filling or other restoration, treatment for gum recession, a night guard, or treatment of the nerve inside the tooth when necessary.
Sensitive Teeth? We Can Help.
You shouldn’t have to plan your ice cream strategy around which side of your mouth hurts.
If tooth sensitivity is bothering you, Metral Dental in Nanaimo can help determine what’s causing it and recommend treatment based on what we find. Book your appointment today!
