Tooth Sensitivity Treatment: Complete Guide to Causes, Remedies, and Solutions

Sharp, sudden tooth pain can truly be a nuisance to experience and is more common than you may think. Tooth sensitivity may temporarily occur when exposed to triggers like cold air, or foods and beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. It commonly occurs due to worn tooth enamel or gum recession from issues like decay/cavities, gum disease, aggressive toothbrushing, teeth grinding, or acidic diets. The good news is that there are several tooth sensitivity treatment options to stop the pain, for good. In this blog, we explore sensitive teeth causes, remedies, and solutions.

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity) is a common condition, affecting approximately 40% of adults. It occurs when the outer enamel layer or gum tissue is damaged, leading to exposure of the underlying dentin layer. The dentin contains tiny tubules that stimulate nerves, resulting in sudden, sharp pain. For instance, sensitive teeth causes include cavities (tooth decay), tooth cracks, gum recession (loss of gum tissue), broken dental restorations, teeth grinding, enamel erosion (loss of tooth enamel), aggressive toothbrushing, whitening overuse, recent dental work, and aging. The main tooth pain triggers include cold, hot, sweet, acidic, and air stimuli.

Types of Tooth Sensitivity

There are several types of tooth sensitivity, often categorized based on the nature, intensity, and duration of the stimuli. Here’s more details on the main types of tooth sensitivity:

Thermal (Cold/Hot): Thermal sensitivity is the most common type, and is typically triggered by cold air, or hot or cold foods and beverages.
Tactile (Touch/Brushing): Sensitivity may result from directly touching the gums. For instance, brushing, flossing, chewing, or using dental instruments may trigger tooth sensitivity.
Chemical (Sweet/Acid): Chemical sensitivity may result from exposure to sugary or acidic foods and beverages (i.e., sodas, coffee, energy drinks, citrus fruits, pickles, candy, desserts). Sugary and acidic foods promote bacterial accumulation, increasing the risk of dentin tubule exposure from tooth decay, enamel erosion, gum recession, and other oral issues.
Spontaneous (No Trigger): In some cases, tooth sensitivity can occur without being stimulated by external triggers. Spontaneous tooth sensitivity may be a sign of serious tooth nerve damage or infection.
Reversible (Treatable): Mild tooth damage or gum recession may result in reversible tooth sensitivity, which tends to completely resolve shortly after stimuli are removed or minor treatments are performed. Tooth sensitivity is usually sharp and short-lasting.
Irreversible (Structural Damage): When dental pulp becomes severely inflamed/infected due to issues like extensive tooth structural damage, irreversible tooth sensitivity may occur. Individuals often experience a throbbing pain that lingers even after contributory stimuli are removed. Treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms and maintain the health of the tooth.
Primary (Lingering Pain): This type of tooth sensitivity is typically caused by severe inflammation/infection of the dental pulp, a condition known as irreversible pulpitis. Tooth sensitivity typically lingers even after stimuli are removed and requires treatment to eliminate the infection.
Secondary (New Exposure): Secondary tooth sensitivity is commonly a result of newly exposed dentin, often from mild gum recession or enamel wear. This type of tooth sensitivity is often sharp and quickly resolves once the stimuli are removed.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There are many possible causes of tooth sensitivity, some of which are preventable, while others can be hard to avoid. Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Enamel Erosion: Enamel thinning can lead to the exposure of the underlying dentin layer, which contains tiny tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerves. Enamel erosion is primarily caused by acids from the diet or stomach acids.
Gum Recession: Gums may erode and begin to pull away from the tooth due to issues like gum disease or natural aging. This leads to the exposure of tooth roots, which are more sensitive than tooth enamel.
Tooth Grinding: Tooth grinding sensitivity may occur over time as tooth enamel wears down. Teeth grinding is common during sleep and typically requires treatment with a professional custom-made mouth guard to protect teeth from damage and sensitivity.
Acidic Diet: Enamel erosion often occurs from consuming acidic foods or beverages like carbonated drinks, wine, citrus fruits and juices, vinegar-based items, and starchy foods.
Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can lead to worn tooth enamel, gum recession, and other dental issues that trigger tooth sensitivity.
Whitening Overuse: Using whitening products unsupervised by a dentist or improper use can cause tooth sensitivity. This can also lead to gum damage, uneven results, tooth damage, and other serious health consequences.
Recent Dental Work: Teeth may become temporarily sensitive immediately following dental treatments like fillings, crowns, and teeth whitening. Sensitivity commonly lasts from a few days to two weeks, but should not progressively worsen.
Decay/Tooth Cracks: Issues like poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, and dry mouth can lead to tooth decay or fractures that allow bacteria into the tooth, causing infection and tooth sensitivity.
Aging: Tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner with increasing age, which increases the risk of tooth sensitivity.

Common Tooth Sensitivity Triggers & Prevention Strategies

Common Tooth Sensitivity Triggers	Prevention & Management Strategies
Dietary acids (i.e., carbonated drinks, citrus fruits/juices (lemons/limes), wine, tomato-based foods, vinegar)	Reduce consumption of acidic items Consume more water, especially after acidic items Use a straw to limit tooth exposure to acids Limit snacking Wait 30 mins after consuming acidic products to brush
Temperature extremes: Hot or cold foods/drinks or air.	Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages
Oral habits (i.e., aggressive toothbrushing, hard-bristled toothbrushes, abrasive toothpastes, using teeth as tools, teeth grinding/clenching)	Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an extra-soft toothbrush Brush with gentle strokes/circular motions Use desensitizing toothpaste Use a custom mouthguard or night guard Practice relaxation techniques to minimize stress-related teeth grinding/clenching Use desensitizing toothpaste Use scissors/actual tools to open items Consult with your dental professional prior to using at-home products like teeth whitening
Untreated dental issues (i.e., tooth decay, gum recession, cracked teeth, worn/broken dental restorations)	Maintain Regular dental check-ups to identify and treat issues promptly Professional Fluoride treatments and at-home fluoride use

How to Diagnose Tooth Sensitivity?

A comprehensive examination is needed for diagnosing tooth sensitivity. A thorough patient history, including your symptoms, any medical conditions, medications, and dental history, will be discussed. The dental exam for sensitive teeth also typically involves dental X-rays to help diagnose underlying causes like tooth infection and cracks. Sensitivity testing will also be performed to determine the health of the tooth’s dental pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Common tests include applying a hot or cold substance to the tooth, percussion tests involving gentle taps to the tooth with special metal instruments, electric pulp tests using a gentle electrical current, and bite tests to help identify affected teeth and possible tooth cracks.

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Options at Gentle Dental

Gentle Dental has numerous tooth sensitivity solutions under one roof. Our team of dental specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan and preventive care plans for tooth sensitivity, including at-home sensitive teeth remedies and state-of-the-art in-office procedures.

Key treatments at Gentle Dental include:

Desensitizing agents (fluoride varnish): Professional fluoride application, often applied in the form of a foam or gel, is a popular tooth sensitivity treatment. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, reduce sensitivity, and strengthen tooth enamel.
Dental bonding/fillings for decay: Tooth-colored composite resin can be directly bonded to exposed tooth roots to help reduce sensitivity. Patients with sensitivity caused by minor dental decay may also use this material to seal the tooth from further damage and eliminate sensitivity after the decay is removed.
Dental sealants: Sealants are a protective layer that can be applied to the enamel or root surface to block nerve stimulation.
Gum grafts: Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that can help reduce sensitivity caused by gum recession by adding gum tissue to exposed tooth roots.
Night guards: Custom-made night guards may be fabricated by your dentist to protect teeth from enamel wear from dental issues like teeth grinding and clenching.
Root canal (severe cases): If nerve damage or infection is suspected, root canal therapy may be recommended to eliminate sensitivity and infection.
Laser therapy: Laser dentistry is a non-invasive treatment that uses advanced laser technology to seal the tubules within dentin, which in turn helps prevent nerve stimulation.
Prescription pastes and rinses: Prescription strength fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses may be recommended for patients with high risk for dental decay and tooth sensitivity. Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes may also be recommended to temporarily reduce symptoms.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity: Home Remedies and Long-term Care

Preventing tooth sensitivity requires maintaining professional dental visits and excellent at-home oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will monitor for issues and provide necessary treatments before progressing to keep your teeth healthy and sensitive-free. You will also receive personalized oral hygiene tips during your appointments to help you manage your oral health at home. Daily sensitive teeth home remedies can also help reduce sensitivity, including brushing with desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, rinsing with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and soothe gums, using a nightguard for teeth grinding habits, and staying hydrated with water to help neutralize harmful acids. Do your best to limit acidic foods and beverages and be cautious when consuming very hot or very cold items. When exposed to acidic items, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. If interested in treatments like teeth whitening, speak with your dentist for professional guidance and recommendations before trying any over-the-counter products.

Why Choose Gentle Dental for Your Tooth Sensitivity Treatment?

Professional tooth sensitivity relief can be conveniently found at Gentle Dental. Our offices provide a patient-focused experience, emphasizing comprehensive and multi-specialty care to address the root causes of tooth sensitivity. At Gentle Dental, our experienced sensitivity specialists provide a range of options, including same-day relief treatments, advanced laser and desensitizer technology, customized night guards, cosmetic bonding expertise, fluoride applications, and preventive counseling. Gentle Dental sensitivity treatment is personalized to each patient and designed to minimize discomfort. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Ready for a healthier smile? Book your appointment today with our experienced dental team!

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sudden tooth sensitivity?

Sudden tooth sensitivity can be triggered by various causes. Tooth sensitivity often becomes apparent when the underlying dentin layer becomes exposed, which contains sensitive tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerves. Dentin exposure and the resulting sensation of tooth sensitivity is commonly caused by tooth enamel erosion, chipped or fractured teeth, tooth decay, teeth grinding, aggressive tooth brushing, and gum recession. Certain triggers can exacerbate tooth sensitivity, including cold or hot air, and hot, cold, acidic or sweet foods or beverages.

How long does tooth sensitivity last after treatment?

Temporary tooth sensitivity after dental treatments, like teeth whitening, fillings, root canals, and crowns, is normal and typically resolves naturally after a few days to two weeks. Extensive treatment may result in more prolonged tooth sensitivity, often up to four weeks. Tooth sensitivity that persists longer than four weeks without improvement should be reported immediately to your dentist. However, any worsening pain or severe symptoms such as extensive swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or trouble breathing should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately.

Does desensitizing toothpaste really work?

Desensitizing toothpaste can be an effective over-the-counter product for reducing tooth sensitivity for many individuals. After a comprehensive evaluation, your dentist may recommend daily use of a desensitizing toothpaste along with additional treatment that addresses the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity. To ensure the product has been tested for safety and efficacy, make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Desensitizing toothpastes often contain active ingredients, including potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride, which help block pain signals and seal off dentin tubules that normally trigger tooth sensitivity, respectively. Desensitizing toothpastes require daily use for persistent results and can take, on average, between 2 and 4 weeks of consistent use to notice the effects.

Can tooth sensitivity be cured permanently?

Although tooth sensitivity may not always be cured permanently, it can be effectively managed through a combination of both professional dental treatments and excellent oral hygiene habits. There are several professional dental treatments that can provide relief from tooth sensitivity, including fluoride application, sealants, dental bonding, gum grafts, root canal therapy, and dental crowns. These treatments, along with daily lifestyle habits like using desensitizing toothpaste, soft-bristled toothbrushes, and mouth guards, and limiting acidic, sugary, hard, and sticky foods, can help manage tooth sensitivity.

When should I see a dentist for sensitive teeth?

Seek professional dental care promptly if you experience sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of numerous serious underlying dental health issues, including tooth enamel loss, decay, chipped or fractured teeth, gum recession, gum disease, infection, or teeth grinding. Tooth sensitivity is considered a dental emergency requiring immediate medical attention if accompanied by issues including extreme pain, gum or facial swelling, fever, bad taste in the mouth, dental abscess, difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, or visible tooth damage.

Is tooth sensitivity a sign of gum disease?

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Untreated gum disease can lead to issues that trigger tooth sensitivity, including gum recession, tooth decay, bone loss, and dental abscess formation. Tooth sensitivity should be evaluated promptly by your dentist to catch issues like gum disease early, before worsening.

Can whitening cause tooth sensitivity?

A possible side effect of whitening is tooth sensitivity. High concentrations of whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, can stimulate tubules within the dentin, leading to temporary sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments tends to resolve after a few days and can be managed with sensitivity toothpastes, fluoride treatments, and avoiding certain behaviors like aggressive toothbrushing and consuming acidic, sugary, hot, or cold foods or beverages. Professional whitening treatments performed by a dentist allow for treatment to be safely tailored to each individual and monitored to minimize risks like tooth sensitivity.

What foods should I avoid with sensitive teeth?

Certain foods promote tooth enamel erosion and should be avoided to manage sensitive teeth. Limit or avoid foods and beverages that are highly acidic, such as sodas, sparkling water, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, hot sauce, tomatoes, pickles, and vinegar. Sugary items should also be limited or avoided, such as cakes, cookies, candy, caramel, and cereal. Cold, hot, hard, sticky, and crunchy products can even trigger tooth sensitivity, including ice, ice cream, soups, hot chocolate, pretzels, and nuts. Instead, aim to consume tooth-friendly foods and beverages like water, dairy products, fibrous vegetables and fruits, and foods high in protein to help strengthen tooth enamel.

Does gum recession cause tooth sensitivity?

Yes, gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity. Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue, which can expose the tooth's highly sensitive root surface. Tooth roots have a greater susceptibility to decay and tooth sensitivity than tooth enamel. Gum recession is commonly caused by severe gum disease (periodontal disease), teeth grinding, aggressive tooth brushing, oral piercings, tooth misalignment, and tobacco use. Your dentist can help manage gum recession and tooth sensitivity with professional treatments following a comprehensive evaluation.

How do I schedule sensitivity treatment at Gentle Dental?

Scheduling an appointment with our exceptional team of dental professionals is simple and hassle-free. We welcome new patients and provide multi-specialty dental services for the entire family. To schedule sensitivity treatment at Gentle Dental, contact us online at our Gentle Dental website using the “Book Now” feature or by phone at an office location near you. You can also visit us at one of our conveniently located offices and speak directly with our wonderful staff members.