What Does it Mean if You Have Sensitive Teeth?
Do you feel discomfort or pain when you take a cold or hot drink or when you brush your teeth? While some people naturally have more sensitive teeth than others, if eating, drinking, and regular oral care cause you pain, this can be a sign that something is wrong. Your dentist can tell you the reason for your tooth sensitivity and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments to reduce its effects. Afterward, you can hopefully go back to enjoying your favorite food and beverages without any discomfort.
Why are My Teeth Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity can happen gradually or suddenly. It can be chronic or mild and may only affect one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. Sensitive teeth can be triggered by stimuli like eating or drinking something cold, hot, acidic, or sweet; brushing or flossing; using mouthwash, or breathing cold air.
While all teeth are sensitive to some degree, the hard external layer usually reduces sensitivity so we can enjoy food and drinks in a range of temperatures. If some of this enamel layer wears away, or a tooth gets damaged, the sensitive inner layer of the tooth is exposed. Once the damage reaches the tooth interior in the pulp and root canal, chronic pain and sensitivity can happen.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
- Brushing the teeth too hard
- Damaged crowns, fillings, and other dental work
- Gum disease or receding gums that expose tooth roots
- Side effects from cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Temporary sensitivity following a dental procedure
- Tooth cracks and chips
- Tooth decay caused by plaque bacteria
- Tooth erosion from acidic food and beverages, reflux or vomiting
- Using a hard bristle toothbrush
How are Sensitive Teeth Treated?
- Home remedies. Tooth sensitivity that is not caused by cavities or other health problems can usually be treated by oral care routine changes. Your dentist may recommend changing to a soft-bristled toothbrush, a desensitizing toothpaste, or a non-alcohol mouthwash to minimize irritation.
- Hygiene treatment. If plaque has built up on the teeth, in-office cleaning and scaling may be necessary to remove buildup and lower gum irritation risk. Fluoride application might be necessary to strengthen and protect the teeth.
- Dental crown or filling. If a tooth gets damaged or loses too much enamel, dental restoration might be necessary to help restore its strength and protect it from bacteria. Small cracks can be sealed with bonding, while a crown or tooth filling can rebuild the tooth’s structure.
- Root canal therapy. The center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerve endings. If this area gets infected, it can make eating and drinking uncomfortable and painful. Infected teeth can be saved with a root canal procedure.
- Gum graft. Gums that have receded because of excessive brushing or gum disease might require a gum graft. This procedure involves removing tissue from the palate of your mouth and grafting it to your gum to cover the roots of the teeth.
- Bruxism treatment. If you clench or grind your teeth during sleep or when you feel anxious or stressed, ask for solutions from your dentist. They can provide a night splint to reduce the impact of grinding. You can also modify your sleeping habits or try to reduce stress and anxiety.
How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity
Although sensitive teeth cannot always be avoided, you can lower your risk of tooth discomfort and pain by careful brushing and flossing; cutting down on sugary and acidic food and drinks; getting lots of calcium from your diet; wearing a mouthguard to prevent injuries, and keeping up with your regular dental visits.
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