The signs and symptoms of tooth sensitivity
Tooth pain happens when the nerves inside your teeth become irritated. Teeth are covered by enamel, a protective layer. Beneath enamel is dentin, and at the core is the pulp, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and the nerve. If enamel becomes thin or is damaged exposing dentin, the nerve is no longer protected. Tooth sensitivity often results from any number of causes that wear down or damage enamel.
- Eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages, especially before bed
- Skipping routine oral care such as flossing
- Brushing too hard or using a firm toothbrush
- Trying to use professional dental tools at home
- Health issues like acid reflux or bulimia exposing teeth to stomach acid
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession
- Damaged, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Cavities, especially if untreated
- Use of tobacco, cannabis, or vaping
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Overuse of certain teeth whitening products
Common ways tooth enamel can become damaged
What can you do about sensitive teeth?
The first step after noticing dental pain or sensitivity is to visit a Vancouver Dentist. We can rule out other causes and recommend treatments for any damage or decay found during your exam. A proper diagnosis gives you confidence that your treatment is on the right path. Here’s how we approach it:
Find the cause
During your exam, we ask about your sensitivity and its frequency. We may take X rays and carefully examine your teeth and gums. Tests like tapping or cold stimulus may help with diagnosis.
In office treatment
Damaged or decayed teeth may be treated with fillings or crowns. For worn enamel, home treatments may help, but we also offer office treatments. We will review all options and you decide what works best.
Personalized advice
With many causes of sensitivity, your dentist will narrow down your specific issue and give tips to strengthen enamel and prevent future problems.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Switch to a soft bristled toothbrush and brush gently twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste. Floss daily and use fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and juice, especially before bed. If you clench or grind your teeth, try relaxation techniques. To fully resolve pain, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Improving dental hygiene can sometimes stop sensitivity. Clean teeth prevent further erosion and decay, allowing enamel to repair, especially with fluoride treatment. But pain signals a problem needing professional attention. If dentin is exposed, infection or abscess risk increases.
Indirectly, yes. Stress can lead to poor oral care, unhealthy eating, smoking, or teeth grinding, all of which increase sensitivity.
Acidic foods wear enamel. Sugary and starchy foods feed bacteria that produce acids. Hard foods may also damage enamel or teeth.
- Acidic: Coffee, wine, alcohol, fruit juice, citrus fruits, soda, tomatoes, pickles, vinegar
- Sweet: Chocolate, jams, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream, juice, soda
- Starchy: Donuts, cake, bread, chips, crackers, cookies
- Hard: Ice, hard candies, foods with pits or kernels like popcorn, cherries, olives
Moderation and regular cleaning are key.
Choose low acid, low sugar drinks and foods. High fibre foods and dairy promote saliva and oral health. Examples include:
- Drinks: Water, green or black tea
- Snacks: Raisins, nuts, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices, cheese
- Meals: Stir fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with vegetables
- Desserts: Yogurt, ricotta with berries, applesauce
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