With our office in Marlton, NJ, we understand the charm, changing seasons, and some of the everyday pleasures that the tri-state area and nearby communities bring — whether a relaxing walk along old buildings with a cold drink, sipping coffee on a brisk winter day, or grabbing ice cream with the family for some quality time together. However, even in such moments, the enjoyer can encounter uncomfortable surprises, such as the unexpected twinge from sensitive teeth. If you’ve felt that zing when enjoying something hot, cold, or sweet, you’re definitely not alone. So, what exactly causes tooth sensitivity, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
If you suffer greatly from sensitive teeth and need to see a dentist, contact us at Drs. Rosen & Dworkin, PA – Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity (also called dentin hypersensitivity) happens when the protective layers of your teeth wear down, leaving the underlying dentin exposed. Without enough enamel or gum tissue covering it, your teeth’s nerves react to things like hot coffee, cold drinks, or even a chilly breeze. That’s when you get the sudden, sharp discomfort you might be familiar with.
This isn’t just an occasional inconvenience. For some people, sensitive teeth can interfere with daily routines — making it hard to enjoy favorite meals, socialize comfortably, or even maintain proper oral hygiene because brushing becomes uncomfortable. That’s why understanding the root cause is the first step toward relief.
Why Does It Happen?
Brushing Too Hard
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing with excessive force can gradually wear down your tooth enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Over time, this enamel loss exposes the underlying dentin, making your teeth more vulnerable to temperature and pressure changes.
Gum Recession
Gum tissue acts as a natural barrier protecting the roots of your teeth. When gums recede due to genetics, gum disease, or over-brushing, the roots become exposed. This leaves nerve endings vulnerable and can lead to frequent pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods. Addressing gum health early can help prevent further exposure.
Acidic Foods & Drinks
What we eat and drink can affect our health in ways we may not realize. Foods and beverages like citrus fruits, soda, wine, and sports drinks can erode enamel, thinning your teeth’s protective layer. Even frequent snacking on acidic foods can worsen enamel loss.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding may seem harmless, but in reality it brings serious risks. Also known as bruxism, this habit wears away enamel and can cause tiny fractures. These micro-cracks open pathways to the nerves inside your teeth, triggering discomfort and heightened sensitivity.
Dental Procedures
Whitening treatments, fillings, or even routine cleanings can temporarily leave teeth feeling sensitive. This is typically short-lived but can be alarming if you’re not expecting it. Dentists can apply desensitizing agents during treatments to help reduce this common side effect.
Cracks & Fillings
Cracked teeth or worn-down dental work can create small entry points for heat, cold, or bacteria, leading to increased sensitivity. These openings may worsen if not treated promptly, making early detection during dental visits very important.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t always look the same, and it can vary from person to person. You might experience quick, sharp pain when drinking hot or cold beverages — pain that appears suddenly and lasts only a few seconds but can be intense enough to interrupt your meal or drink. In other cases, you may notice lingering discomfort after meals, which can last for minutes or even hours and may signal enamel damage or exposed roots.
Everyday oral care can also become challenging if you feel twinges of pain when brushing or flossing, as bristles or floss may irritate sensitive areas. Sensitivity might even be localized to one tooth or spread across multiple teeth, indicating different potential causes that need professional evaluation. Even seemingly minor symptoms are worth paying attention to, because left unchecked, sensitivity can be a sign of more serious issues like cavities or gum disease.
At-Home Solutions
- Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush: These brushes gently clean without eroding enamel, reducing irritation and making brushing more comfortable for sensitive teeth.
- Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth: These formulas contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which block pain signals traveling to your nerves. Regular use can provide significant relief.
- Trying a fluoride rinse: Fluoride strengthens enamel and can reduce sensitivity by providing an extra layer of protection. Many are available over the counter and are easy to incorporate into a nightly routine.
- Cutting back on acidic foods and drinks: Limiting the frequency of acidic snacks and drinks can help preserve enamel. When you do indulge, rinsing your mouth with water helps neutralize acids and protect your teeth.
When to See a Dentist
- Fluoride treatments: These treatments strengthen your teeth’s enamel, providing long-term relief from sensitivity.
- Fillings or bonding: Covering exposed root surfaces or repairing cracks can reduce irritation and protect the inner layers of your teeth.
- Gum treatments: Procedures to restore gum health and tissue coverage can help shield vulnerable tooth roots.
- Root canals: In severe cases where other treatments have failed,root canals can remove damaged nerve tissue and permanently eliminate sensitivity.
- Wearing a custom mouthguard: If teeth grinding is contributing to your sensitivity, your dentist can create a custom-fitted guard to protect your teeth while you sleep and prevent further wear.
Living Comfortably With Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying life’s simple pleasures. By making a few small changes and working with the right dental team, you can enjoy ice cream, coffee, and everything in between — pain-free. Whether you’re looking for prevention tips or professional treatment, Drs. Rosen & Dworkin, PA – Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Our experienced team can treat sensitive teeth and restore comfort so you can focus on the things you love most. Contact our team today.