What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of your teeth are worn down, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerve. When external stimuli reach these nerves, it causes sharp pain or discomfort. Healthy enamel and gums usually protect this sensitive area, but when this protection is lost, sensitivity begins to develop.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
1. Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Over time, frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages like soft drinks, citrus fruits, sports drinks, and vinegar-based foods can slowly wear away enamel. Once the enamel becomes thin or damaged, the softer dentin layer becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity.
Acid reflux or frequent vomiting (as seen in conditions like GERD or eating disorders) can also expose teeth to strong stomach acids, accelerating enamel erosion.
2. Gum Recession
Receding gums expose the roots of the teeth, which lack enamel protection. Tooth roots are highly sensitive because they are covered only by a thin layer called cementum. When gums recede due to aging, aggressive brushing, gum disease, or poor oral hygiene, sensitivity becomes more likely.
Gum recession often goes unnoticed until sensitivity or visible root exposure occurs.
3. Brushing Too Hard
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing aggressively can damage both the enamel and gum tissue. Over time, this leads to gum recession and wear near the gumline, exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
Proper brushing technique and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can prevent this damage.
4. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Untreated cavities can make teeth sensitive by allowing bacteria to penetrate deeper layers of the tooth. As decay gets closer to the nerve, sensitivity becomes more intense, especially while eating or drinking.
In many cases, ongoing sensitivity could be an early sign of decay requiring immediate attention.
5. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Cracks or fractures in teeth allow external elements to reach the inner parts of the tooth. Bacteria can enter these cracks, causing inflammation of the pulp (inner tissue) and increasing sensitivity.
Even hairline cracks not visible to the naked eye can cause persistent sensitivity.
6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
People who grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep, put excessive pressure on their enamel. This chronic pressure causes enamel wear over time, exposing dentin and making teeth more sensitive.
Bruxism also increases the risk of cracks and jaw pain.
7. Recent Dental Procedures
Sensitivity after dental treatments like fillings, teeth whitening, scaling, or root planing is quite common. This usually subsides within a few days or weeks as the tooth and surrounding tissues heal.
If sensitivity persists beyond a reasonable timeframe, further evaluation is necessary.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
1. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth contains ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which block pain signals from reaching the nerves. Regular use over a period of two to four weeks typically reduces sensitivity.
Avoid rinsing immediately after brushing to allow the active ingredients to stay on the teeth longer.
2. Adjust Your Brushing Technique
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle circular motions instead of harsh horizontal strokes. Brushing too hard does not clean better—it only damages your gums and enamel.
Also avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods, as the enamel becomes temporarily softened and more vulnerable to erosion.
3. Limit Acidic and Sugary Foods
Reduce the intake of acidic drinks like soda, energy drinks, fruit juices, and citrus fruits. If you consume them, use a straw to limit direct contact with teeth and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
This simple habit can help prevent further enamel damage.
4. Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride varnons or gels applied by your dentist create a protective layer and help reduce sensitivity significantly.
5. Dental Bonding and Sealants
If sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces or enamel erosion, dentists can apply bonding resin or sealants over sensitive areas. These materials protect dentin and restore comfort while eating or drinking.
6. Treat Underlying Problems
If sensitivity is caused by issues like cavities, cracks, or gum disease, treating the root cause is essential. This may involve fillings, crowns, gum treatments, or other restorative procedures.
In severe cases where nerve damage occurs, root canal treatment may be required to eliminate pain permanently.
7. Use a Night Guard for Teeth Grinding
For people who grind their teeth at night, a professionally made night guard helps protect the teeth from further wear and reduces pressure on the jaw. This prevents ongoing enamel damage and sensitivity.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If sensitivity persists for more than a week, becomes more intense, or is localized to one tooth, it could indicate a serious issue like an infection or nerve damage. Early diagnosis can prevent the problem from worsening and reduce treatment costs.
At All in one dental, professional evaluation helps identify the exact cause and provide personalised treatment for long-term relief.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are a few effective preventive tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
- Use fluoride toothpaste regularly.
- Avoid excessive intake of acidic foods.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles or cut objects.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings.
- Manage conditions like acid reflux with medical advice.
Conclusion
Tooth sensitivity may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it often indicates underlying dental problems that shouldn’t be ignored. By understanding its causes and taking preventive measures early, you can protect your teeth and avoid long-term complications. If tooth sensitivity is affecting your daily comfort, book a dental check-up with your nearest All in one Dental clinic Spearwood with our team to identify the cause and get personalised treatment.
With the right oral care habits and timely dental support, you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without discomfort.