tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that can cause discomfort or pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. While occasional sensitivity might be normal, persistent or severe tooth sensitivity can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention. At Young Family Dental Riverton, we understand how tooth sensitivity can impact your quality of life, and we’re here to help you understand its causes and offer tips on how to manage it.

In this blog, we’ll break down some of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity and provide practical tips on how to prevent and treat this uncomfortable condition.

1. Enamel Erosion: The Most Common Culprit

Your tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer that protects your teeth from damage. When enamel wears away, it exposes the underlying layer of the tooth (called the dentin), which contains tiny nerve endings. These nerves are responsible for the sharp pain associated with tooth sensitivity.

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

• Acidic foods and beverages: Citrus fruits, sodas, wine, and other acidic substances can erode enamel over time.
• Acid reflux: Stomach acids that reach your mouth can slowly wear down enamel.
• Brushing too hard: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying too much pressure while brushing can wear away enamel, especially at the gum line.

Tips to Prevent Enamel Erosion:

• Limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic drinks or foods to neutralize the acids.
• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle brushing motions.
• Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help protect enamel and reduce discomfort.

2. Gum Recession: Exposing Sensitive Areas

Your gums play a crucial role in protecting the roots of your teeth. When gums recede (pull back from the teeth), they expose the sensitive roots, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Gum recession often occurs gradually, but it can be exacerbated by factors like brushing too aggressively or gum disease.

What Causes Gum Recession?

• Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause your gums to recede.
• Periodontal disease: Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) can lead to gum loss over time.
• Genetics: Some people are naturally more prone to gum recession due to their genetic makeup.

Tips to Prevent Gum Recession:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily to prevent gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to catch any signs of gum disease early.

3. Tooth Decay and Cavities

Cavities, or dental caries, occur when plaque and bacteria on your teeth produce acids that break down tooth enamel. If the decay reaches the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, it can cause discomfort and pain.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

• Poor oral hygiene: Infrequent brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up, leading to tooth decay.
• Sugary foods and drinks: Bacteria feed on sugars, which increases the production of acids that can erode enamel.
• Dry mouth: A lack of saliva can contribute to tooth decay, as saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.

Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay:

• Brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.
• Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away acids and food debris.
• Consider fluoride treatments or using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many people grind or clench their teeth, often without even realizing it. This condition, known as bruxism, can wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity. Teeth grinding is common during sleep, but it can also occur during the day when you’re stressed or anxious.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

• Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress is a major trigger for bruxism, especially during sleep.
• Misaligned teeth: If your teeth are crooked or don’t fit together properly, you may be more likely to grind your teeth.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can contribute to teeth grinding.

Tips to Prevent Teeth Grinding:

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or exercise.
• Wear a custom night guard if recommended by your dentist to protect your teeth while you sleep.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you suspect bruxism. They can check for signs of grinding and help determine the best treatment options.

5. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

A cracked tooth can expose the inner nerves of the tooth, leading to sensitivity. Cracks may occur due to trauma (such as biting on something hard) or from years of wear and tear.

What Causes Cracked Teeth?

• Chewing on hard objects: Biting down on hard candies, ice, or other tough substances can crack a tooth.
• Injury: A blow to the face or mouth can fracture a tooth.
• Age and wear: As teeth age, they can become more susceptible to cracks due to wear on the enamel.

Tips to Prevent Cracked Teeth:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects, like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports to protect your teeth from injury.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.

6. Dental Work (Fillings, Crowns, or Whitening Treatments)

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can result from recent dental procedures, such as getting a filling, crown, or teeth whitening treatment. This is typically temporary and should subside as your teeth adjust to the changes.

What Causes Sensitivity After Dental Work?

• Fillings or crowns: After a filling or crown is placed, the tooth may feel sensitive for a few days to weeks.
• Whitening treatments: Teeth whitening can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity, particularly if you have pre-existing issues like thin enamel.

Tips to Manage Sensitivity After Dental Work:

• If sensitivity persists after a dental procedure, let your dentist know. They may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or other treatments.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect sensitive areas.
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks immediately after a whitening treatment or dental procedure.

7. When to See Your Dentist

If you experience persistent or severe tooth sensitivity, it’s important to visit your dentist at Young Family Dental Riverton. A thorough examination can help determine the underlying cause of your sensitivity and the best treatment options. Early intervention can prevent further damage and discomfort.

Conclusion: How to Protect Your Teeth from Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, but with the right care, it can often be managed or prevented. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods, protecting your teeth from grinding, and getting regular dental check-ups, you can reduce your risk of sensitivity and maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or have questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact us at Young Family Dental Riverton. Our team is here to help you get the care you need to keep your smile strong and comfortable.

Sensitive teeth can be the sign of the beginning of different dental ailments, however, if you just noticed it occurring there are some things you can do from the comfort of your own home to ease your tooth sensitivity. Here is what you need to know about sensitive teeth, plus the signs that mean you should make an appointment to have your pain examined by Young Family Dental.

What do Sensitive Teeth Feel Like?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, like that of hot or cold temperatures. If you’ve ever felt pain after taking a bite of ice cream or drinking a hot coffee, it was most likely due to teeth sensitivity. While it can be temporary, it can also be chronic for some patients. It can affect one tooth, several teeth, or even all of the teeth in certain patients. The causes and treatments can vary, but most cases of sensitive teeth can be treated with changes in how you care for your teeth at home. Symptoms of sensitive teeth can also include: 

• Pain when eating/drinking hot or cold foods/beverages 
• Sensitivity to cold air 
• Bad breath 
• Inflamed gums 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

While some people may be more prone to experiencing sensitive teeth due to the makeup of their enamel, most people experience tooth sensitivity from doing things like:

• Brushing the teeth too hard
• Not using a soft-bristled toothbrush 
• Grinding or clenching your teeth at night or when stressed
• Regularly eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks 
• Teeth whitening 

Additionally, some may experience sensitive teeth due to certain health conditions, like gastroesophageal reflux. This condition causes acid to come up from the stomach and esophagus, and can wear down the teeth over time. Further conditions, like that of bulimia, can also wear down the enamel due to acid and can lead to tooth sensitivity. 

Gum recession can also leave parts of the tooth exposed and unprotected, which can lead to hypersensitivity. Other dental health problems like tooth decay, broken teeth, chipped teeth, and worn down fillings or crowns can leave the dentin of the tooth exposed, leading to sensitive tooth pain as well. In these instances, the pain is typically localized to one tooth or part of the mouth, not the majority of teeth. 

Treating Sensitive Teeth 

If you have a sensitive tooth or teeth that have been bothering you for more than a couple of days, it’s time to visit one of our dentists at Young Family Dental. We will identify the source of your tooth pain and recommend treatments accordingly. Mayo Clinic lists treatments for tooth sensitivity 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 softcore (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

Risks of Sensitive Teeth

If you are having tooth pain and fail to have it looked at by your dentist, you could be risking great damage to your teeth. For example, sometimes cases of sensitive teeth can be due to tooth decay (cavity) in the mouth. If you don’t have a cavity treated, it can result in an infection that can greatly compromise the integrity of your tooth, gums, and surrounding bone structure. 

Further, if you don’t treat your pain, you could end up changing the way you eat or even speak by avoiding the use of the tooth that has you in pain. 

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

If you’re having pain due to a sensitive tooth, make an appointment at one of our Young Family Dental locations today! We want to help you become pain-free and will do all it takes to find out what is causing your pain and determine what the best way to treat it will be.