Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?

Nothing ruins a delicious ice cream cone more than a sharp pain in your teeth when you have that first taste. That pain, which likely signals tooth sensitivity, can be dull, sharp, or shooting into the nerves. Understanding the causes of sensitive teeth can help you get the proper treatment from a Cincinnati dental professional before it requires extensive dental care.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity often happens when the dentin—the inner layer of your teeth—is exposed. Dentin exposure can occur from gum recession and tooth erosion. The tooth root has thousands of tiny tubes or tubules leading to the pulp, the tooth’s center. Without a sufficient dentin layer, those tubules make it easier for hot and cold to reach the nerve endings in your pulp, making them more sensitive and causing you pain.
Other problems, such as gum disease or cracked teeth, can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can also result from
- Being 25-30 years old
- Brushing with too much pressure
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages like citrus, tomatoes, pickles, and tea
- Gum disease and sore gum tissue
- Gum recession
- Using acidic mouthwash
- Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
- Plaque accumulation
- Recent dental procedures like professional cleanings, teeth fillings, and restoring crowns and other placements
- Teeth clenching or grinding
If My Teeth Are Sensitive, What Can I Do About It?
If you have persistent dental sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking something hot or cold, you don’t help yourself by simply ignoring it. It’s always best to consult a dentist, who can root out the cause and recommend one or more remedies:
- Use toothpaste and mouthwash designed for sensitive teeth. You can get them over the counter.
- Get plenty of fluoride. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and ask your dentist for a fluoride treatment during your next appointment.
- Consider a dental sealant or adhesive. Your dentist can place a sealant on an exposed root to fortify the outer layer.
- Get a gum graft. Your dentist may recommend this treatment if lost gum tissue has exposed the tooth root. A graft involves taking tissue from another section of your gums and placing it on the affected area.
Keeping Tooth Sensitivity at Bay
Tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone, but adopting healthy dental habits can decrease your chance of sensitivity and pain. Whether or not sensitivity is an issue for you, follow these steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles twice daily.
- Floss every day.
- Stay away from abrasive toothpaste; use paste with fluoride instead.
- Instead of forcefully scrubbing, use gentle strokes when you brush.
- Ask your dentist about getting fitted for a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Schedule biannual dental check-ups and cleanings.
Also, limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages, which wear away tooth enamel. Carbonated drinks, wine, and citrus fruits are the biggest culprits. When you do enjoy acidic beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Follow these drinks with a glass of water to lower the percentage of acids in your mouth.
See a Cincinnati Dental Provider About Your Tooth Sensitivity
Good food should be enjoyed and not cause you tooth pain. If you notice sensitivity when you consume hot or cold foods or drinks, it’s time to see the Beckham Square Family Dental professionals. You’ll get gentle and compassionate care, along with guidance for keeping your teeth healthy and pain-free after your visit.