- In general, teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods, sweet or acidic snacks, cold water and cold air, vigorous brushing, flossing, and alcohol-based mouthwashes.
- The root problem depends on the exact factors that trigger the sensitivity. It may be caries or dentin hypersensitivity.
- Depending on the underlying problem, you may need professional treatment or you may be able to reduce the sensitivity with home remedies.
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Do your teeth cause discomfort when you eat or brush them? Here's everything you need to know.
Sensitive tooth symptoms
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You will likely experience tooth sensitivity at some point in your life. A study by the American Family Physician shows evidence that about 22% of US adults do so at least once every 6 months.
A problem arises when this happens often or constantly. There are many possible triggers, but the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity symptoms include sharp pain in reaction to:
hot or cold foods,
sweet or acidic snacks,
cold water and air,
vigorous brushing or flossing, and
alcohol-based mouth rinses.
Sensitive tooth causes
Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks is most commonly caused by a cavity. It may not be visible yet, but it is best to address it as soon as possible.
The remaining symptoms mentioned above are usually due to dentin hypersensitivity. This condition is prevalent in the 25-40-year age group and is associated with several risk factors.
Recent dental procedures
If you have had a crown, bridge, or even just a filling done lately, you are likely to experience sensitivity for up to a week before it subsides on its own. In some cases, it may last up to 6 months. That is a normal reaction, and there is no need to be concerned. However, if persistent irritation worries you, consult a dentist.
Tooth whitening is a procedure that almost always causes sensitivity. OTC products like strips and gels tend to have a bigger effect than in-office treatment. Nonetheless, bleaching is invasive, and proper aftercare is vital to prevent lasting damage.
Fractures and cavities
Some cavities, cracks, and fractures are tiny and indiscernible to the eye. Still, they can cause significant discomfort. This is because tubes that lead directly to nerve endings are exposed and vulnerable to stimuli.
Worn-down fillings or enamel
When enamel is worn down, dentin or cementum becomes exposed. These are a lot less dense. What is more, they contain tubes and canals to the nerves and cells in the tooth. If this is the case, stimuli such as hot or cold foods can irritate the tooth and cause sharp pain.
Enamel can be prematurely worn down by:
aggressive brushing,
teeth grinding,
an inappropriate diet,
stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting), or
genetics.
If you brush too vigorously or use a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard, you can damage the outer layer of your teeth. The same goes for bruxism, which often occurs at night.
A diet high in acidic foods and drinks is hazardous to the enamel. The substance basically dissolves it, leaving the tooth exposed.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux, is a condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Frequent vomiting (from disease, bulimia, or pregnancy-related) may have a similar outcome.
Genetics also plays a role, as some people have thinner enamel or were born with enamel defects.
Infections
Sinus infections and other inflammation in the skull, even after they are cured, may also cause pain in the teeth and jaws. This is because the swelling increases intracranial pressure. This irritates nerve endings.
Gum issues
Shrinking gums, a condition that is very common after the age of 40, expose cementum, a very sensitive part of your teeth and roots. This can cause significant discomfort and may be a sign of more serious conditions, such as gum disease.
Periodontitis may cause significant pain and discomfort. Teeth become loose and may even fall out.
Along with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups, some individuals consider oral probiotics as part of an overall approach to maintaining a healthy balance of oral bacteria. While not a substitute for professional dental care, these supplements may support overall oral health when used alongside good hygiene practices.
What helps sensitive teeth?
When you begin experiencing tooth sensitivity, start at home. Simple solutions often work well. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, report to your dentist.
At-home remedies
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In most cases, sensitivity can be fixed with proper oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing every night can do wonders. Make sure you are using the right products, however.
There are many OTC dental treatments for sensitive teeth. Here are the most popular ones:
desensitizing toothpastes,
alcohol-free mouthwash,
soft-bristled brushes,
fluoride dental products, and
mouthguards for those with bruxism.
Many toothpastes are designed to minimize sensitivity. They work thanks to desensitizing ingredients that block pain receptors. They also do not contain any harsh or irritating ingredients, like toothpastes designed to whiten teeth. Desensitizing products often require several applications before effects are tangible.
When choosing a mouthwash, use alcohol-free formulas. Alcohol may dry out your mouth, causing reduced saliva flow. This may demineralize the teeth and accelerate the wearing down of enamel. Drink plenty of water to keep your oral cavity hydrated.
Reduce stress and caffeine intake. Those can lead to bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of the teeth, especially at night. If that does not help, invest in a mouthguard. A hard, custom-made mouthguard at a dental office is best for long-term use. Softer ones over the counter can cause jaw muscle issues with prolonged use.
Switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles may also help. Your enamel will wear down more slowly, and it will be easier on your gums, helping prevent recession.
Fluoridation helps remineralize the teeth, making them more resilient to irritating stimuli. Fluoride is commonly included in tap water across the US, but you can also buy special toothpastes and gels.
Changing some of your eating habits will be helpful. Eliminate acids and sugar in your diet. If you do enjoy such snacks, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Use a straw for acidic drinks to minimize contact with the teeth.
Some fruits and vegetables, especially greens, can also reduce tooth sensitivity. If you have ever explored dental facts, you may know that eating spinach can make your teeth less vulnerable to stimuli. When it binds to your saliva, it makes calcium oxalate crystals, which are sometimes used in dental treatments to manage pain.
Alternative treatment includes saltwater or hydrogen peroxide rinses, cold compresses, and biting on moistened tea bags, vanilla, or guava leaves. Those solutions will not work as quickly as OTC products.
Professional treatments
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Home remedies are recommended when no root issue is present, as they may lead to other problems. Otherwise, you will need professional intervention.
The first in-office stage is conducting an oral exam. Your dentist will make sure you have no cavities or minuscule fractures that could be causing the problem. X-rays may be done to check for any warning signs that the human eye cannot detect.
A dentist can prescribe a stronger type of desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash than OTC products. You may receive a topical gel that will immediately numb your mouth.
If the problem is demineralization, you may receive fluoride treatment. Those come in the form of trays that you keep in your mouth for about 30 minutes a day.
Exposed nerve endings can be sealed with resin. If your gums have receded so much that exposed cementum is causing the problem, you may need a gum graft. A small piece of tissue is taken from a different area in your mouth and attached around the tooth that is hurting.
Infected dental pulp (like after a large, neglected cavity) is treated with root canals. Dentists rarely remove teeth due to sensitivity.
Lee warns: "If the pain is localized to one tooth or triggered by heat, that is a red flag for a crack or a failing filling rather than general hypersensitivity. While home remedies like fluoride rinses are excellent for rebuilding mineral density, they will not fix a structural fracture."
"If you are changing how you chew to avoid a temperature spike, it is time for an exam. Catching a minor enamel defect now is the difference between a simple desensitizing treatment and a future crown," he stresses.
FAQ
How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately?
To get immediate, sensitive pain relief, you can purchase a topical numbing gel.
Stay away from hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as anything you previously noticed was making the discomfort worse.
How to whiten sensitive teeth?
Whitening sensitive teeth is not recommended. Bleaching products are designed for use on healthy teeth with no exposed dentin. If you are really set on whitening, consult a dentist beforehand. They will be able to recommend the best solution in your case.
Can you prevent your teeth from being sensitive?
Enamel health is key in preventing sensitivity. Maintain excellent oral care, complete with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Invest in a soft toothbrush and limit the amount of acidic foods and drinks in your diet. Go for foods high in calcium and vitamin D instead.
Harry Lee, DMD
In my practice, I find that tooth sensitivity is rarely just a "nuisance"—it is usually a clinical breadcrumb leading us to a deeper issue. I often tell patients that the sharp "zing" they feel with ice cream is essentially their nerves shouting through thousands of microscopic tunnels called dentin tubules. When enamel thins or gums recede, these tubules become exposed. Data shows that over 20% of adults experience this regularly, yet many suffer in silence because they assume it is just a part of aging.