Sensitive Teeth? Here’s Why and How to Help Stop It

It’s summertime, and you’re trying to beat the heat with a popsicle. You take a big bite and — OUCH! Your teeth feel like someone’s trying to pull them with pliers. “Why are my teeth sensitive?” you ask.

It’s a good question. There are several tooth sensitivity causes, from thin enamel to certain medications. Some sensitive teeth causes are only temporary, while others can mean your teeth stay sensitive for a long time.

Are there treatments for tooth sensitivity? Are there long-term solutions for sensitive teeth? Summit Dental Partners has short-term and long-term solutions for those with sensitive teeth. 

What Are Sensitive Teeth? 

What do we mean by “sensitive teeth?” Tooth sensitivity is a reaction to extreme hot or cold, something very sweet, or something very acidic or bitter. The symptoms can range from an odd twinge to serious pain that can last for hours. 

What makes teeth sensitive? Your teeth are made up of three main layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The enamel is the hard shell that protects the living interior of the tooth. The dentin is the soft shell that protects that living tissue, the pulp. The pulp, at the center of the tooth, holds the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. 

If the enamel is too thin, cracked, or broken, then bacteria and other substances can reach the dentin. This part of the tooth has tiny tubes that reach to the pulp, so just having the dentin exposed is enough to cause pain in the tooth. 

Tooth sensitivity can start at any age, depending on the cause, but most often hits people between ages 20-40. Most sensitivity is temporary. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, it’s probably a good idea to pay a visit to the dentist. 

Sensitive Teeth Causes

What causes sensitive teeth? There are several possibilities. Some are simple and fixable. Others may take time to treat. 

Some common causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Enamel erosion from dry mouth, acid reflux, or even bruxism can reduce the enamel and expose the dentin, making teeth sensitive
• Plaque and tartar buildup can dissolve enamel and expose dentin
• Grinding teeth can wear down enamel and expose dentin
• Gum disease can cause gum recession and root exposure
• Gum recession can expose tooth roots
• Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and cause gums to recede
• Using a hard-bristle brush can also wear down enamel and damage gums
• Acidic foods that can erode enamel
• Cracked or broken teeth can expose the tooth’s interior
• Mouthwash acids that can be found in some over-the-counter products can make sensitivity worse
• Aging includes teeth wearing down over time, exposing dentin
• Dental work, such as cleanings, fillings, or preparation for veneers or crowns that can temporarily cause tooth sensitivity
• Teeth whitening that seeps through the enamel to the dentin makes teeth whitening and tooth sensitivity very common
• Certain medications can cause tooth sensitivity, including cancer treatment medications (chemotherapy). Part of this can be because these drugs cause dry mouth, which can damage your enamel. Speak with your doctor about possible solutions or medication changes.

Tooth Sensitivity Home Remedies

There are things you can do at home to help reduce tooth sensitivity. It could be as simple as changing your toothbrush or as not-so-simple as changing your diet. The end result should be a healthier mouth with less sensitive teeth. 

Here are some home treatments for sensitive teeth. 

• Brush with sensitive-teeth toothpaste. This type of toothpaste fills the enamel pits and blocks the dentin tubules leading to the tooth’s nerves, making teeth less sensitive. There are several options available. 
• Don’t whiten teeth at home. Home whitening kits tend to make teeth more sensitive than professional teeth whitening. Ideally, don’t whiten at all if you can. If you must whiten your teeth, visit your dentist. 
• Use a fluoride mouthwash. Some prescription fluoride mouthwashes have fewer acids than standard mouthwash and contain fluoride that strengthens the enamel.
• Change to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soft bristles do less damage to the enamel than medium or hard bristles.
• Use less pressure when brushing. Place your toothbrush lightly against the teeth when brushing. Better still, use an electric toothbrush, which will do the scrubbing for you.
• Avoid sugary or acidic foods. Avoid foods high in acid or sugar to help prevent tooth decay. Foods high in fluoride, calcium, and potassium can help your teeth. 
• Break the bruxism habit. Breaking your teeth-grinding habit will reduce tooth wear that can expose the dentin. Use a nightguard to reduce tooth damage while you sleep. 
• Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will examine your teeth during your semi-annual visit. We can treat cavities and provide treatments to reduce your tooth sensitivity. 

How Your Dentist Can Help Tooth Sensitivity

Your dentist can help with your tooth sensitivity, as well. If you have tooth sensitivity in Summit, NJ, then Summit Dental Partners can help!

We can help protect your enamel with a dental sealant. This is an acrylic coating that covers the enamel and prevents plaque and acids from damaging it. It will also keep those acids from penetrating the dentin through its tubules and reaching the pulp. 

If your tooth sensitivity is from home teeth whitening kits, we can help with professional tooth whitening. Not only does it cause less tooth sensitivity, but professional teeth whitening provides better results than home kits and in far less time.

Regular dental cleanings help, as well. Tooth sensitivity can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. Dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but it also gives us a chance to spot both in the early stages during a dental exam and treat them before they lead to more serious problems. 

If your teeth have become sensitive, it may be time to visit the dentist!

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Near Me

Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking uncomfortable to the point of pain, so the sooner you can treat it, the better. Summit Dental Partners can treat tooth sensitivity in Summit, NJ. Schedule an appointment with us to see why your tooth may be sensitive and what we can do to help!