Why Your Teeth Are Sensitive
Teeth sensitivity can be more than just a minor annoyance. While occasional sensitivity, like a brief zing when you sip hot coffee or bite into ice cream, is usually harmless, recurring discomfort may indicate a deeper issue that deserves attention. Understanding why teeth become sensitive, how they can be treated, and what you can do at home to help can make a big difference in protecting your smile and enjoying the foods and drinks you love without wincing.
Keep reading to learn the possible reasons behind your sensitive teeth and what you can do about them.
What Makes Teeth Sensitive
Sensitive teeth are uncomfortable and inconvenient, plain and simple. If your teeth are overly sensitive, you may forego many of the foods and drinks you used to enjoy just to avoid the discomfort. But have you considered why your teeth are sensitive? In many cases, sensitive teeth are a warning sign of a deeper problem. That’s why it’s important to learn what’s causing the discomfort you experience by visiting our office for an examination.
Several factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, and identifying the cause is key to effective treatment:
- Poor oral hygiene: When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, it can lead to gum irritation, tooth enamel erosion, and eventual exposure of the sensitive inner layers of your teeth.
- Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down tooth enamel over time, exposing dentin, the part of the tooth that contains nerve endings.
- Tooth decay: Cavities weaken tooth enamel and allow external stimuli like cold or sweet foods to reach the nerves, causing sharp pain.
- Overusing teeth whitening products: Excessive bleaching or over-the-counter whitening treatments can erode tooth enamel and leave teeth more sensitive than before.
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism): Habitual grinding or clenching puts pressure on your teeth, causing tooth enamel wear and potentially exposing sensitive areas.
- Gum disease: Receding gums expose tooth roots, which are naturally more sensitive than the enamel-covered crown.
Treating Sensitive Teeth
The good news is that we have several effective ways to address tooth sensitivity, depending on its underlying cause. We may recommend dental bonding, where a tooth-colored material is applied to protect exposed surfaces and reduce discomfort, or a deep cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line to ease sensitivity caused by gum disease. Fillings can restore decayed teeth and shield exposed dentin from further irritation, while dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection for teeth that are prone to wear or decay. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can help prevent additional damage and reduce sensitivity over time, offering relief and long-term protection for your smile.
What You Can Do to Help
Alongside professional treatment, your actions can help reduce sensitivity and protect your smile:
- Professional dental cleaning: Regular visits help keep your teeth and gums healthy and catch early signs of problems before they become painful.
- Oral hygiene at home: Brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, floss daily, and consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
- Limit or pause store-bought whitening products: Overuse can weaken tooth enamel; if you want whiter teeth, ask us about a safe, professional alternative.
Teeth sensitivity doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With proper care at home and in the dental office, you can reduce discomfort, protect tooth enamel, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable smile. If you’re experiencing frequent tooth sensitivity, schedule a visit with us at Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Coppell, TX. Together, we can identify the cause and create a treatment plan that keeps your teeth strong and pain-free.
