What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity often occurs when the protective enamel covering a tooth becomes worn or when the root surface becomes exposed. Underneath the enamel is dentin, which contains tiny pathways leading toward the sensitive inner portion of the tooth. When dentin is exposed, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can trigger a sudden, sharp sensation.
Sensitivity can have several causes, which is why identifying what is happening beneath the surface is important before choosing a treatment.
Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
- Frequently consuming acidic foods and drinks
- Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Gum recession that exposes the roots of your teeth
- Gum disease and inflammation around the teeth
- Cavities or areas of tooth decay
- Cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Acid reflux or other conditions that repeatedly expose teeth to stomach acid
- Temporary sensitivity following certain dental treatments, including teeth whitening
- Worn or damaged fillings and other dental restorations
Because sensitivity can range from minor enamel wear to a problem that requires dental treatment, persistent or worsening discomfort should be examined rather than simply covered up with sensitivity products. At Splash Dental in Pickering, Dr. Karishma Kazim and our dental team can identify possible causes of your sensitivity and recommend treatment based on what your smile needs.
How We Can Help With Tooth Sensitivity
Treating sensitive teeth starts with understanding why they hurt. Rather than simply masking the discomfort, we’ll look for the underlying cause and recommend care based on what we find.
Find the Cause of Your Sensitivity
We’ll ask when your sensitivity occurs, what triggers it, and how long the discomfort lasts. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of enamel wear, gum recession, cavities, cracks, or other concerns. When necessary, X-rays or additional tests may be used to better understand what is causing the sensitivity.
Treat the Problem Behind the Pain
Your treatment will depend on the cause. Options may include professional desensitizing or fluoride treatments, addressing gum-related concerns, or repairing a damaged or decayed tooth with a composite filling or dental crown. We’ll explain the appropriate options so you understand what treatment is intended to accomplish.
Protect Your Teeth From Further Sensitivity
We’ll help you care for sensitive teeth at home with recommendations tailored to your smile. This may include changing your brushing technique, choosing appropriate oral care products, adjusting habits that contribute to enamel wear, or managing grinding and clenching. The goal is to reduce sensitivity while protecting your teeth from further damage.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include a careful examination of your teeth and gums to determine what may be causing your sensitivity. We’ll discuss when the discomfort occurs, what triggers it, and how long it lasts while checking for concerns such as enamel wear, gum recession, cavities, cracks, or damaged dental work. Once we understand the likely cause, we can recommend treatment to help reduce discomfort and protect your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sudden sensitivity to cold can have several causes, including enamel wear, gum recession, a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a problem with an existing restoration. If the sensitivity is new, persistent, or getting worse, a dental examination can help determine what is causing it.
Yes. When gums recede, portions of the tooth roots that are normally protected can become exposed. These surfaces are more sensitive to temperature and other triggers, which can lead to short, sharp discomfort.
Temporary sensitivity can occur during or after some teeth-whitening treatments. It often improves after treatment is completed, but you should tell your dentist if the discomfort is severe or persistent so they can determine whether another issue may be involved.
No. Cavities are one possible cause, but sensitivity can also result from enamel wear, exposed roots, cracks, grinding, gum recession, or certain dental treatments. An examination is the best way to identify the source of ongoing sensitivity.
Consider having your teeth examined if sensitivity persists, becomes more frequent, affects a specific tooth, or starts interfering with eating and drinking. Pain that is severe, lingers after the trigger is gone, or occurs without an obvious trigger should also be evaluated.
Yes. Aggressive brushing can contribute to enamel wear and gum recession over time, potentially exposing more sensitive areas of the teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique can help protect both your enamel and gums.
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