Tips to Help with Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is among the most common dental complaints, with at least 40 million American adults suffering from this condition. Sensitive teeth can impact your quality of life, causing discomfort when you consume hot or cold foods and beverages. If you find yourself asking, “Why do my teeth hurt?” or “Why are my teeth sensitive?” you’re probably ready for some answers. Let’s explore what causes tooth sensitivity, how to fix sensitive teeth, and ways to prevent teeth sensitivity going forward.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth are protected by a hard outer layer called enamel, which shields the underlying dentin. Dentin is a softer, more porous substance that comprises most of the tooth structure and contains microscopic tubules filled with nerve endings.

When the enamel wears down or your gums recede, the dentin is exposed, and the nerve endings become more susceptible to external stimuli. Temperature changes, sweet or acidic foods, and even the pressure of biting or brushing can shift the fluid within the tubules, stimulating the nerves and resulting in tooth sensitivity or pain.

Several factors can contribute to enamel wear, receding gums, and sensitive teeth, including:

• Age-related gum recession: Aging causes your gums to recede. Exposing the roots to temperature changes by eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee, can cause tooth sensitivity.
• Heavy-handed brushing: It’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly, but rigorous brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel and expose the sensitive dentin beneath.
• Tooth decay and gum disease: Tooth decay weakens the enamel, while gum disease causes the gums to recede and exposes the tooth roots. Poor dental hygiene, acid reflux, and dry mouth are a few potential causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Smoking: Tobacco use causes many oral health problems, including gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Quitting can greatly improve oral health.
• Clenching or grinding your teeth: This habit, known as bruxism, wears down the enamel and makes your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes. If you suspect that you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, talk to your dentist about possible treatments, such as wearing a mouthguard at night.
• Cracks in your teeth or restorations: A cracked tooth, filling, or crown could cause tooth sensitivity if the break goes deep enough.

How to Fix Sensitive Teeth

The recommended treatment for sensitive teeth depends on the severity of your pain. Your dentist may recommend the following steps to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: This product contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which helps block pain signals from sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist what desensitizing toothpaste they recommend and use it regularly for optimal results.
• Saltwater rinse: Rinsing with saltwater alleviates tooth sensitivity by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish the solution for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process twice daily until you notice an improvement.
• Turmeric paste: Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces inflammation and sensitivity. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to form a thick paste, and gently apply it to the sensitive area with your finger or a cotton swab. Leave the paste on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
• Fluoride gel: Your dentist can apply fluoride to your teeth during regular dental check-ups to help strengthen the enamel. You should also use fluoride toothpaste at home every day.
• Dental bonding: Bonding covers exposed tooth roots, protecting them from temperature changes for long-lasting relief. This dental treatment involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the exposed root surface and hardening it with a special light.
• Surgical gum graft: If gum recession is causing tooth sensitivity, a surgical gum graft may be effective. This is when a dentist or periodontist takes a small piece of gum tissue from another part of your mouth and attaches it to the receding area, effectively covering and protecting the exposed root.
• Root canal: In severe cases, a root canal may be necessary to fix tooth sensitivity. This procedure involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp from the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and putting in a filling.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

Once you get a handle on your condition, you want to keep the pain at bay as much as possible. Try these tips to prevent or greatly reduce tooth sensitivity in the future:

• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush: Combining this with a gentle toothbrushing technique helps prevent damage to your enamel and reduces the risk of tooth sensitivity. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to fray, whichever comes first.
• Reduce your sugar and acidic food intake: Limit the amount of soda, sweets, citrus fruits, and other sugary or acidic foods you eat. At the same time, incorporate more alkaline foods, such as leafy greens and whole grains, into your diet to protect your enamel.
• Avoid tobacco products: Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and reduce the risk of gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Seek help from your doctor or a support group if you’re struggling to quit.
• Take a break from teeth-whitening products: The hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide commonly found in teeth-whitening products can increase tooth sensitivity. Wait until you have your condition under control before trying these products again.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help catch and treat oral health issues before they become more severe and potentially cause tooth sensitivity. Visit your dentist twice a year or as recommended to maintain a healthy smile.

Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, but proper treatment and preventative measures can put this condition behind you. At Brevard Health Alliance, we are committed to helping our patients maintain good oral health and prevent tooth sensitivity with timely and effective dental care. If you’re struggling with sensitive teeth, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our dental providers in Brevard County, FL, including Sarno/Melbourne, Barton/Rockledge, Port St. John, and our mobile clinic. Our caring team will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile.