If your teeth twinge when you sip a cold drink or bite into something sweet, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is incredibly common and, thankfully, manageable. While it can feel alarming at first, it doesn’t always mean something serious is going on. In fact, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to reduce the discomfort and protect your teeth moving forward.
At Dentistry Thirty Two, we talk to patients about sensitive teeth all the time. This guide will walk you through what causes it, how to treat it, and the best ways to prevent it from getting worse.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the protective layer on your teeth (called tooth enamel) wears away or when your gum tissue pulls back. This exposes the underlying dentin, which connects directly to your tooth’s nerves. So when something cold, hot, or even sweet touches that area, it can really sting.
What Can Lead to Tooth Sensitivity?
There’s no single cause. In most cases, tooth sensitivity develops over time because of habits or conditions that wear down the tooth’s outer protection.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Brushing Too Hard
It might seem like brushing harder = cleaner teeth, but using too much pressure or a hard-bristled brush can wear down tooth enamel and lead to gum recession.
Acidic Foods
Things like citrus, soda, wine, and vinegar-based dressings can erode your enamel over time. If you already have exposed tooth roots, these foods can make things worse.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding your teeth at night can wear down enamel and create tiny cracks that make your teeth more sensitive. A custom mouth guard can help protect your teeth while you sleep.
Gum Disease
Inflamed or infected gums (also known as gum disease) can pull back from the teeth, exposing tooth roots and increasing sensitivity. You might also hear this called receding gums.
Tooth Decay or Worn Fillings
Cavities, cracks, or broken fillings can open up the inner part of your tooth to stimuli, leading to that sharp pain when you least expect it.
Recent Dental Work
Procedures like fillings, whitening, or even cleanings can cause temporary sensitivity. This usually fades within a few days or weeks.
What Does Sensitivity Feel Like?
Tooth pain related to sensitivity usually feels like a sudden, sharp zap or sting in response to:
- Hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks
- Breathing in cold air
- Brushing your teeth or flossing
- Eating acidic foods
The pain might come and go, or it might be more consistent. Either way, it’s worth getting checked out to rule out more serious issues.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
Good news. There are plenty of ways to manage sensitive teeth. Some you can do at home, and others require help from your dentist.
At-Home Treatments
Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste
These contain ingredients that help block nerve signals from your teeth. It can take a few days or weeks of regular use to notice a difference.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
A soft bristled toothbrush is gentler on your gums and enamel and can help prevent further wear.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Avoid overly acidic foods and drinks
Try to limit or rinse after consuming things like soda, citrus, and wine.
Don’t brush immediately after acidic meals
Acid softens your enamel temporarily. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid causing further erosion.
In-Office Treatments
Fluoride varnish or gel
Applied directly to sensitive areas to help rebuild enamel and block pain.
Dental bonding
This protective layer covers exposed areas of the tooth root to reduce sensitivity.
Gum grafting
If gum recession is the cause, a graft can restore protection and reduce discomfort.
Root canal
In severe cases where pain doesn’t improve, a root canal may be needed to treat the nerve inside the tooth.
At-Home Treatments
Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste
These contain ingredients that help block nerve signals from your teeth. It can take a few days or weeks of regular use to notice a difference.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
A soft bristled toothbrush is gentler on your gums and enamel and can help prevent further wear.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Avoid overly acidic foods and drinks
Try to limit or rinse after consuming things like soda, citrus, and wine.
Don’t brush immediately after acidic meals
Acid softens your enamel temporarily. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid causing further erosion.
In-Office Treatments
Fluoride varnish or gel
Applied directly to sensitive areas to help rebuild enamel and block pain.
Dental bonding
This protective layer covers exposed areas of the tooth root to reduce sensitivity.
Gum grafting
If gum recession is the cause, a graft can restore protection and reduce discomfort.
Root canal
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
If your sensitivity is mild—or you just want to avoid it in the first place—here are some simple ways to take care of your teeth:
Maintain good oral hygiene
This one’s key. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Choose the right toothbrush and technique
Stick with a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Use a mouth guard if you grind your teeth
Nighttime grinding is a major cause of enamel wear. A custom mouth guard can make a big difference.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular checkups help catch problems early. If you start noticing sensitivity, let your dental team know right away.
Watch your diet
Reducing your intake of acidic foods helps protect your enamel. Rinse with water after acidic meals, and avoid brushing immediately afterward.
When to See a Dentist
If your tooth pain keeps coming back, or if you’re finding that your daily routine is being affected, book an appointment. Tooth sensitivity isn’t always serious, but it can be a sign that something else is going on, like a cavity or gum disease.
A dental exam can help figure out the cause and point you toward the right solution. The earlier you treat it, the better your chances of avoiding more complex (and costly) treatment.
Final Thoughts
Tooth sensitivity is common, but it doesn’t have to be something you live with. With a few simple changes and the right care, you can reduce the sting and protect your smile for the long run.
At Dentistry Thirty-Two, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on, offer personalized care, and help you enjoy your favourite hot, cold, and sweet things again, without the wince.
Reach out today to book an appointment. We’ll help you get to the bottom of it and get you back to feeling comfortable again.