Tooth Sensitivity: What Causes it and How is it Treated?

Have you ever bit into a sugary indulgence and felt instant pain? Does brushing with cold water make you wince? You may have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is more common than you might think! According to Crest, one in five adults experience sensitivity in their teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be treated by a dental professional with the assistance of at-home pain relief options. Today we’re going to uncover the root causes of tooth sensitivity, symptoms, and proper home care.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Let’s have a look at how teeth are protected in the first place. The outermost layer of tooth protection is called enamel. Enamel is above the gum line and protects the “crowns” of our teeth. While this is technically a thin outer coating, it’s the hardest tissue in our bodies. There is also cementum. Cementum is the outer layer of the tooth’s root surface. Beneath both the enamel and cementum is dentin. Dentin is far less dense than enamel and cementum, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). If the protective layers of our teeth are stripped away and the dentin is exposed, the result is tooth sensitivity.

Below you’ll find the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, according to the ADA:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity

Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether or not you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity:

1. Do your teeth hurt when you bite into hot food or drink cold beverages?
2. Do sweets cause a painful “zing” when you first bite into them?
3. If you inhale deeply from your mouth, does the cold air cause tooth pain?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist. It’s important to remember that there is a true concern for your oral health if you’re experiencing any and all forms of tooth sensitivity. Ignoring these signs could result in further damage or tooth loss. Your dentist will be able to uncover the cause of your sensitivity and create a treatment plan. They may also recommend home care options for pain management.

Proper home care for tooth sensitivity

Your dentist will likely recommend at-home options to help with tooth sensitivity while the chosen treatment plan is correcting the root cause. If you begin any of the following options at home and aren’t seeing any results after 1-2 weeks, please make an appointment with your dentist.

Below are a few of the most common at-home options for treating tooth pain caused by sensitivity:

1. Desensitizing toothpaste - This specific type of toothpaste contains ingredients that shield your teeth nerves from irritants like hot/cold/sweet. Make sure to use one that contains fluoride to help prevent any further tooth decay or cavities.
2. Salt water rinse - You’ve probably done a salt water rinse at some point in your life, as it’s an effective antiseptic and also reduces inflammation.
3. Brush with lukewarm water - Brushing your teeth with lukewarm water—versus cold or hot—can help prevent irritation to your sensitive teeth.

You can also look for toothbrushes and floss that are made for sensitive teeth so you can maintain a complete oral care routine at home.

If you or someone you love is experiencing tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with one of our trusted dental professionals today. To book an appointment with Midlothian Dental Center, give us a call today at (804)794-4588.