Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
That sudden zing when you sip cold water or bite into something sweet? You’re not imagining it. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints — and it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on. Whether it’s a minor annoyance or starting to affect your daily life, understanding what’s behind sensitive teeth is the first step to getting relief.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the protective layer of your tooth (enamel) becomes worn down or the gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin has tiny tubules that connect directly to the nerve of the tooth, making it extremely responsive to temperature changes, touch, or certain foods and drinks.
Common Triggers of Sensitivity
People with sensitive teeth often react to:
- Cold drinks or foods (like ice water or ice cream)
- Hot beverages like tea or coffee
- Sugary or acidic foods
- Brushing or flossing
- Even cold air hitting the teeth while breathing
These reactions may come and go — but persistent sensitivity should always be evaluated by a dentist.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
1. Worn Enamel
Brushing too aggressively, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or grinding your teeth (bruxism) can wear down enamel over time. Without enamel, the sensitive inner layer becomes exposed.
2. Gum Recession
When gums pull away from the teeth — often due to gum disease or harsh brushing — they expose the roots, which don’t have protective enamel. Root surfaces are highly sensitive to external stimuli.
3. Tooth Decay or Damage
Cavities, cracked teeth, and worn fillings can all allow irritants to reach the inner nerves. Even if you don’t see damage, you may still feel the effects.
4. Recent Dental Work
It’s normal to experience temporary sensitivity after procedures like fillings, cleanings, or whitening. This usually fades within a few days, but if it lasts longer, it should be checked.
5. Acidic Diet
Frequent consumption of soda, citrus fruits, sports drinks, and vinegar-based foods can erode enamel and increase sensitivity. Even “healthy” foods like kombucha or lemon water can be culprits if consumed too often without rinsing.
How to Treat and Prevent Sensitivity
Treatment depends on the cause, but here are some common solutions:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: Helps block nerve signals and reduce sensitivity with regular use
- Fluoride treatments: Strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity during in-office visits
- Dental bonding: Covers exposed root surfaces or worn enamel areas
- Night guards: Protect against enamel wear from grinding during sleep
- Gum treatments: If recession is present, deep cleanings or gum grafts may be recommended
In more severe cases, root canals may be required to treat deep nerve pain — but that’s typically a last resort.
Home Habits That Help
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure
- Brush with a sensitivity-formulated fluoride toothpaste
- Limit acidic foods and rinse your mouth with water afterward
- Don’t brush immediately after acidic meals — wait 30 minutes
- Visit your dentist every 6 months to catch early signs of wear or gum issues
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Tooth sensitivity is your mouth’s way of telling you something’s not right. Ignoring it may lead to bigger issues like cavities, gum disease, or nerve exposure. Fortunately, most cases are manageable — and the sooner you get checked, the easier the fix usually is.
Let’s Help You Find Relief
University Dental Associates
2505 University Ave #1
The Bronx, NY 10468
Call Us! (718) 733-6600