Do your teeth hurt when you take a sip of hot soup? What about when you eat an ice cream cone? Pain caused by hot or cold foods may be a sign of tooth sensitivity. 

Patients often ask me about their sensitive teeth and what they can do to reduce discomfort. First things first, make sure to visit us for a dental exam . 

Then, keep reading to learn more about the causes of sensitive teeth, how to prevent and manage tooth sensitivity, and what to do when sensitivity is caused by a more serious underlying health condition.

What is tooth sensitivity?

• Hot or cold food or beverages
• Sweet or acidic foods
• Exposure to cold air
• Dental hygiene practices like brushing or flossing

Tooth sensitivity can be temporary or chronic. It can affect a single tooth, several teeth, or every tooth in your mouth. 

Often, sensitive teeth are effectively treated by making changes to your oral hygiene practices. However, this condition can be caused by a number of different factors. Understanding the specific cause behind a patient’s sensitive teeth is always the first step toward comprehensively addressing the issue.

What are the causes of sensitive teeth?

Patients often ask me what could be causing their tooth sensitivity. It’s important to consider how your lifestyle and dental hygiene practices may be contributing. It’s also necessary to explore any possible underlying health concerns that need to be addressed. Here are a few common factors:

Acidic foods and drinks

While acidic foods can be tasty and nutritious, they can also weaken your enamel if consumed too often.

Brushing your teeth too hard 

I always tell my patients that brushing regularly and thoroughly is essential to a healthy and attractive smile. But I’m also careful to remind them that brushing too hard or with anything other than a soft-bristle toothbrush can result in gum recession and sensitive teeth.

Grinding/clenching your teeth

Grinding or clenching is a common problem, especially during sleep or exercise. When this becomes chronic, it can erode your protective enamel and lead to sensitivity and other dental issues.

Using harsh whiteners or toothpastes 

Using whitening solutions or toothpastes with bleach could be contributing to your tooth sensitivity. The harsh chemicals in these products can erode your enamel over time with excessive use. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, I always recommend a professional teeth whitening treatment such as Kor Whitening vs. store-bought strips.

Tooth decay

If you’re dealing with persistent sensitivity, it’s possible you may have tooth decay. Cavities are tiny holes that form in the tooth and leave you more vulnerable to pain and sensitivity.

An underlying health condition

In some cases, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, such as gum disease or GERD. If your pain is persistent, visit our offices to screen for any underlying causes.

What you can do to prevent & manage tooth sensitivity

Take care of your enamel

Enamel is a hard layer that protects your teeth from sharp foods, high or low temperatures, and more. You can think of it like armor for your teeth. When enamel starts to degrade or wear away, nerve endings can become exposed , causing you to feel pain. Consistent, thorough brushing and flossing can help preserve and protect your enamel and avoid sensitivity.

Always brush your teeth gently

I love seeing patients who are diligent about dental care. Unfortunately, enthusiastic patients can sometimes go overboard and brush their teeth with such a heavy hand that they end up removing more than just plaque. Make sure you brush gently. Use a soft-bristled brush and work up toward your gums at a 45-degree angle to keep your teeth clean and your enamel strong.

Skip the bleaching for awhile

Who doesn’t love a white, bright smile? But too much bleaching can lead to sensitivity and pain. Thankfully, bleaching sensitivity is generally temporary, so taking a break for a while should take care of the issue. I also recommend investing in professional whitening, which is better for sensitive teeth than over-the-counter options.

Try not to clench your jaw

Grinding your teeth can wear away your enamel over time, leading to exposed nerve endings and sensitivity. Teeth grinding is often caused by excessive stress, so working to reduce the amount of stress you’re dealing with can help. At The Winning Smile Dental Group, we can also fit you for a mouth guard that will prevent you from grinding during sleep and exercise.

How we can treat tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can often be successfully managed with basic lifestyle changes and switching to gentle products. However, sometimes the cause requires more intensive treatment.

At The Winning Smile Dental Group, we know how to efficiently diagnose and treat your sensitive teeth. We’re here to provide advice on how to reduce pain as well as offer personalized treatment for any underlying health conditions.

Our team is here to help!

Are you struggling with dental sensitivity? Our dental experts are available to provide you with comprehensive and reliable care. We’re dedicated to making a difference, one smile at a time.

Contact us today to set up an appointment and get your questions answered!