If you’ve ever experienced a sudden, sharp pain when you drink or eat something cold or hot, then you know what it feels like to have sensitive teeth. While sensitive teeth can be frustrating and embarrassing, there are things that you can do to help manage the pain. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common reasons why your teeth are sensitive – and how you can treat them!

What are Sensitive Teeth?

The first step in understanding how to treat sensitive teeth is understanding what they are. Sensitive teeth are usually the result of damage to the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. When the enamel is damaged, it can expose the softer dentin underneath, which is full of tiny nerves. These exposed nerves are what cause the pain when you eat or drink something cold or hot.

5 Reasons Your Teeth are Sensitive

Now that we know what sensitive teeth are, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why they occur:

1. You’re Brushing Too Hard

When you brush your teeth too hard, you can damage the enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. If this is the cause of your pain, be sure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions when brushing. There is no need to apply excessive pressure – let your toothbrush do the work!

2. You’re Eating Too Much Acidic Food and Drink

Acidic foods and drinks can also damage your tooth enamel and leave you with sensitive teeth. If you find that citrus fruits, tomatoes, or carbonated beverages are causing pain, try cutting back on how often you consume them. To further help, rinse your mouth with water  after eating or drinking acidic items. Do NOT brush your teeth within 30 minutes of consuming these items, as that will further damage the enamel.

3. You Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots. This exposed root surface is much more sensitive than tooth enamel, and can lead to significant pain. If you think you may have gum disease, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment

4. You’re Getting Older

As we age, our tooth enamel begins to thin and wear away. This natural process can leave our teeth more sensitive and prone to pain. If you are experiencing age-related tooth sensitivity, be sure to use a toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes often contain ingredients that help to soothe the nerves in your teeth.

5. You Have an Untreated Cavity

Cavities are another common cause of sensitive teeth. When a cavity is left untreated, it can reach the innermost layer of your tooth – the pulp. This exposed pulp is very sensitive and can cause a great deal of pain. If you think you may have a cavity, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

Now that we’ve discussed some of the most common reasons for sensitive teeth, let’s take a look at how Dr. Chris Bockrath at Mountain Aire Dentistry may recommend treating them. A few of the most common sensitive teeth treatments include:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
• Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.
• Desensitizing or bonding. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
• Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

Prevention

The best way to deal with sensitive teeth is to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. To help keep your teeth healthy and pain-free, be sure to:

• Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a non-abrasive toothpaste for two minutes twice daily
• Schedule regular visits with your dental professional every 6 months for cleanings
• Use dental floss or an interdental cleaning device to clean between your teeth once a day
• Choose fluoridated mouthwash, toothpaste, or water (most tap water contains fluoride!)
• Avoid or limit acidic foods and drinks in your diet
• Chew sugar-free gum or consume dairy products to stimulate saliva production that protects your enamel
• Check with your dental professional if you have sore jaws or believe you may grind your teeth for expert diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Bockrath at Mountain Aire Dentistry. We will work with you to determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact us today for an appointment.