Do you cringe at the idea of savoring your favorite ice cream or a cup of tea because of a sensitive tooth? Sensitive teeth can make eating or drinking something you like painful, leaving millions of people searching for relief. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with the sharp, stabbing pain forever. Imagine getting back your smile and enjoying life’s moments.
This can happen if you get in touch with your dentist right away. When the enamel or gum tissue that protects your teeth is damaged, and the underneath dentin layer becomes exposed, your teeth become sensitive. Sometimes, we experience sensitivity owing to aggressive brushing, a cavity, gum recession, or consuming acidic food. The result is pain that makes you reconsider your choices.
At The Hawthorne Dentist, we know this pain can affect your life. Treating the symptoms is not the solution. Our advanced technology, coupled with our expertise, allows us to provide long-lasting solutions. Call us if you need a sensitive tooth addressed or have other dental concerns.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Having sensitive teeth can cause difficulty while eating, drinking, and carrying out your day-to-day activities. The sensitivity is often triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and manifests as sudden sharp pain or discomfort in one or more teeth. Anyone can have tooth sensitivity, but as you age, you are more likely to develop it as enamel and gums wear out.
This pain comes from the dentin layer, which is exposed under the enamel or receding gums. Dentin contains tiny tubules that go to the tooth’s nerve, sensitive to external stimuli. The pain can be intermittent or constant, so many people avoid foods and drinks that aggravate it.
What Causes Your Teeth to Be Sensitive
There are several causes of tooth sensitivity. The most common include the following:
- Aggressive Brushing
Aggressively brushing your teeth or using improper techniques can wear the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) away, exposing the dentin. Once exposed, your teeth become more sensitive, specifically to temperature changes, sweet and acidic foods, and the mere pressure of brushing.
You should maintain proper oral hygiene. However, how you do it is as important as the recommended frequency of at least twice daily. To protect your teeth and gums:
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize enamel damage
- Use light, controlled, short scrubbing motions instead of vigorous scrubbing
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line to clean effectively without causing harm
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste, which can wear down enamel over time
- Cracked Tooth
A tooth that is cracked or broken can cause sensitive teeth. When a tooth is harmed, the layers inside, which include the dentin and perhaps the pulp, become exposed. It lets hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks trigger your discomfort because the nerve endings in these layers are now exposed. You will often feel a sudden pain or discomfort.
A crack in the tooth can be hard to detect. The crack may not always be visible or hurt all the time. Common symptoms of a cracked tooth include:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially on release
- Increased sensitivity to temperature changes
- Intermittent pain with no apparent trigger
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected site
See a dentist immediately if you suspect a tooth may be cracked or fractured. The crack will not worsen if diagnosed early, and infections can be avoided. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend bonding, crowns, root canal therapy, or, in severe cases, extraction. Taking care of the problem quickly can ease the sensitivity and save the gum and tooth.
- Gum Recession
When the gum recedes, it exposes the root surface of your tooth. Unfortunately, this area does not have protective enamel. Cementum, a much thinner and less strong layer, protects the root. Roots not adequately protected can cause cavities and lead to tooth decay that impacts the nerve. When the tubules become exposed, sensations move quickly to the nerve, which leads to sensitivity to cold, sweet, acid, and physical contact with food and drink. As a result, everyday tasks like eating or brushing can become uncomfortable and even painful.
Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent further damage is essential to effectively managing gum recession. If a disease causes a recession, you should seek professional treatment. Professional treatment will control the condition and stop its progression. In more severe cases, you may need surgery to restore lost gum tissue and protect the exposed tooth roots.
- Enamel Erosion
Your teeth’ first defense line is enamel, which protects their softer layers. If you eat or drink something acidic, brush hard, or repeatedly grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), enamel can wear away, exposing the dentin. This will lead to a rise in sensitivity, fractures, chips, and other dental complications.
A custom mouth guard may protect your enamel and prevent sensitivity caused by bruxism, especially at night. It also protects the teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding. Stress management techniques can help stop clenching and grinding due to stress or anxiety. In severe cases, your dentist may suggest other treatments like bonding or crowns to repair broken enamel and protect your teeth.
- Poor Oral Care Practices
Not tending to your oral care can lead to gum disease, which can cause tooth sensitivity. If you fail to keep your mouth clean regularly, plaque and tartar may build up, which can cause gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. This condition creates inflammation and infection that leads to gum recession. When gums recede, the tooth’s root surface is exposed, increasing sensitivity.
At the same time, failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can result in cavities or decay. Decay erodes the enamel. It can reach deeper layers like the dentin or pulp if left untreated. This erosion creates channels for stimuli like temperature changes, sweetness, or acidity, which can reach the nerve through the dentin’s tubule and cause pain.
Gum recession due to gum disease and enamel erosion from decay can cause severe tooth sensitivity. Regular brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist can help prevent these and manage sensitivity.
- Recent Dental Works
Teeth might experience brief sensitivity following cleanings, whitening, or other treatments that expose or irritate the dentin. A professional cleaning uses instruments or ultrasonic devices to remove tartar (calculus) and plaque below the gum line that may irritate the gums or expose the dentin. This can be especially problematic if there is already a gum recession or the enamel is thin. Likewise, teeth whitening uses chemicals that bleach the dentin and enter the enamel. The process can irritate the nerve endings in the dentin’s tiny tubules, leading to sensitivity.
Sensitivity can occur from other treatments after removing decay or tooth structures close to the nerve, like fillings, crowns, or orthodontic adjustments. Generally, this kind of sensitivity is not permanent and tends to go away within a few days to a couple of weeks as your teeth recover and your gums heal. Despite this, you may want to consult the dentist if the sensitivity worsens. They will assess your condition and recommend desensitizing treatments to help alleviate discomfort.
- Consuming Acidic Foods
Eating acidic foods and drinks is a common cause of tooth enamel erosion, which many overlook. These foods cause tooth sensitivity. Foods, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, sodas, wine, and certain types of vinegar, contain acid that gradually weakens the enamel. This makes the enamel vulnerable to wear. When it is damaged, dentin becomes exposed, and the tooth becomes sensitive.
The erosion process is gradual, and constant exposure to acidic foods can have a cumulative effect, making you more sensitive. A balanced diet and good oral hygiene will help counter this process. Washing your mouth with water after consuming acidic food or drink and avoiding overconsuming them will also reduce the likelihood of sensitivity.
At-Home Care for Sensitive Teeth
Before seeking professional help for your sensitive teeth, there are a lot of home remedies you could try as first aid or ongoing management. You could try any of the following:
- Clove oil — This natural analgesic can provide temporary relief for tooth sensitivity. Use a cotton swab to dilute a couple of drops of clove oil with a carrier oil like olive oil and apply it to the affected tooth or gum area. Due to its potency, use it sparingly.
- Salt water rinse — This can help nourish sensitive gums and clean the mouth. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. It may help decrease inflammation and clear debris around the teeth, which may ease sensitivity.
- Desensitizing toothpaste — These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which block the nerve pathways in the teeth so that you do not feel any pain. Use them regularly, twice daily, for a time, and see if the sensitivity improves.
- Sipping straw — Drinking cold and acidic drinks through a straw can help you bypass much of the tooth surface. This can be very helpful to lessen sensitivity while drinking the beverage.
- Turmeric — It has anti-inflammatory qualities. You can apply a paste of turmeric powder mixed with water or mustard oil to the sensitive area and rinse it off after a few minutes. Be careful because turmeric stains. It is better to use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Fluoride rinse— Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping to fight sensitivity-causing cavities and acid erosion. When you use a fluoride rinse, it ultimately creates a barrier that protects your teeth. This barrier further protects the dentin and relieves the nerves of your teeth.
How Dentists Treat Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity usually indicates a more significant problem inside your teeth. A dentist can tell what is causing the tooth sensitivity when they examine your teeth. After noticing the problem, a dentist can offer different solutions tailored to the specific cause. Some of them include the following:
- Gum Grafting
As mentioned, gum recession occurs when the gum tissue of your tooth pulls back or wears away. This exposes more of your tooth or even the root, leading to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of root decay, and cosmetic concerns. When the gum recession is too great, gum grafting becomes the ideal solution.
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure to replace lost gum tissue and protect the exposed roots.
Depending on your needs, there are different techniques of gum grafting, namely:
- Connective-tissue grafting — This is the most typical option, which uses tissue from the roof of your mouth. The dentist creates a flap in your palate and then takes the underlying connective tissue to stitch into the area of the recession.
- Free gingival grafting — With this technique, oral surgeons take tissue from the palate to add thickness and coverage in areas with thin gum.
- Pedicle grafts — They work by using the existing gum around the receded tooth. The surgeon partially cuts the gum tissue and lifts it, keeping it attached for blood supply. They then reposition the tissue to cover the exposed root.
The procedure begins with dentists anesthetizing the area to prevent pain. It is then followed by preparation, where the surgeon makes minor cuts in the gum if required. The graft is positioned and sewn up in place with stitches, and the dental team dresses the area for healing. Recovery typically spans several weeks, with any initial discomfort managed by pain medications. Your dentist will advise you to follow a soft diet, avoid hot food, and maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid disturbing the graft. You should have regular follow-ups with your dentist after the procedure to monitor your recovery.
Gum grafting has several advantages, including:
- Reducing sensitivity by covering the exposed root.
- Preventing further gum recession.
- Enhancing the gum line for a better smile.
- Lowering the risk of root caries, and
- Improving overall periodontal health.
Not every case of gum recession needs or is suitable for grafting. Whether or not you need gum grafting will mainly depend on the cause and severity of the recession. You must also consider other factors like cost, recovery time, and the need for subsequent surgeries if the initial graft fails to integrate.
- Dental Bonding
Cosmetic or composite bonding is a common dental procedure used to treat tooth sensitivity caused by minor cracks or exposed root surfaces. This procedure uses a composite resin material that meets the same specifications as porcelain crowns. This resin is very flexible and can be shaped and hardened for a final result that matches your natural teeth.
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, which may lead to responsiveness to external stimuli. Dental bonding helps with this by covering the exposed areas to create a barrier that blocks the root and reduces discomfort. Similarly, small cracks in the enamel can allow irritants to access the sensitive dentin beneath. Bonding seals these cracks to stop further sensitivity.
The process starts by cleaning the tooth and etching. The etching creates a micro-roughened texture to help the bonding material adhere. A liquid resin is initially applied over the surface, followed by the composite material’s application. Once the dentist shapes the material to match the natural shape of the tooth, a curing light is used. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes the bonding to blend perfectly with the tooth.
Bonding allows your dentist to immediately eliminate sensitivity in one dental visit while improving the appearance of your teeth. This method can fix discoloration, gaps, and unevenness of your teeth. It requires minimal alteration of the tooth, which is very appealing for those who want a non-invasive treatment option.
Nevertheless, dental bonding durability has its concerns. Dental bonding is not as durable as other options. Chips and stains may occur over time, especially with certain oral habits. Regular maintenance is necessary to avoid decay around the bonded area. Moreover, touch-ups or replacements may be required every few years. For most people, the dental bonding lasts between 3 and 10 years.
- Root Canal Therapy
When you suffer from severe tooth sensitivity related to your tooth’s nerve, you may need root canal therapy or endodontic treatment. When the pulp, the area inside the tooth where the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue reside, is infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, multiple dental procedures, or trauma, you should undergo this treatment. When your tooth’s nerve or pulp becomes infected, it has acute sensitivity, pain, or even abscess. These require some treatment to relieve it.
Your dentist or endodontist will first examine the condition of your tooth. It will involve taking extensive X-rays, which would reveal if there is a need for a root canal. Dentists will inject local anesthesia to numb your tooth to ensure you do not feel any pain. This would be followed by them making a hole through the top of your tooth to reach the pulp chamber. The dentist will then remove the diseased pulp and the abscess or decay. The inside of your tooth will be cleaned and shaped as needed for filling. It removes any bacteria, nerve tissue, and debris.
Once cleaned, the canal is filled with a biocompatible material, like gutta-percha. This material seals the space and prevents further infection. When the pulp of a tooth is removed, it becomes more prone to fracturing, so dentists generally place a crown or other restoration over it.
Root canal therapy directly eliminates pain or infection inside your tooth, which is the main cause of severe sensitivity. A root canal is a dental treatment that relieves your toothache while keeping your original tooth. It prevents tooth extraction and limits the infection’s spread to your mouth or body.
Most patients return to normal activities soon after the procedure, though tenderness may linger for a few days. Your dentist’s post-treatment recommendations, particularly concerning oral hygiene, will significantly benefit your treatment’s outcome. Root canal treatments are successful in most cases but require maintenance to keep the tooth healthy. Getting a root canal may take longer and cost more than a simple filling or similar procedure. Nevertheless, it is often cheaper and less invasive than tooth extraction and dental implant or bridge placement.
- Crowns and Fillings
Your dentist could suggest crowns and fillings to repair tooth decay or chipped teeth. Fillings are used when decay has created a hole or small cracks. After a dentist removes the decayed portion of a tooth, he/she places a filling to restore shape and function. This helps to protect the tooth from any further invasion by bacteria. This helps stop or lower sensitivity by shielding exposed dentine. You can fill your teeth with amalgam, composite resin, gold, or porcelain fillings. The type of filling depends on the tooth’s needs.
Crowns, also known as dental caps or full-coverage restorations, are used when the tooth structure is heavily damaged. Crowns are used to cover and protect teeth that have been damaged because of a large cavity, large filling, or root canal treatment. These can make a tooth weaker and more brittle. Crowns are beneficial in mending cracked and broken teeth. They also help improve the color and shape of teeth.
Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me
Tooth sensitivity can be frustrating and painful. Even if this is your experience, there is no need to let sensitive teeth control your diet or your smile. Dentists understand the nuances of tooth sensitivity and can help restore the pleasures of eating and drinking without wincing.
Experienced dentists will use advanced techniques and personalized care plans to diagnose the root causes of your sensitivity. After the first treatment, you can look forward to more desensitized teeth. Depending on your sensitivity, you can also expect guidance on how often your treatment sessions will be.
Begin your journey to a more comfortable and confident smile by calling The Hawthorne Dentist for a consultation. We will help you rediscover the pleasure of enjoying your favorite foods and drinks. Schedule your next appointment today by calling us at 310-775-2557, and say goodbye to sensitivity and hello to a better you.
