You’re enjoying your favorite cold treat, a big scoop of locally made ice cream when suddenly you are stopped mid-bite with a sharp pain in your teeth. What gives? Is teeth sensitivity something to be worried about, or is it just a big tooth bummer?
Here’s everything you need to know about sensitive teeth and how to care for them.
What is Teeth Sensitivity?
Teeth sensitivity is a feeling of discomfort or pain in your teeth triggered by certain hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. This can also be a pain point when you go from sipping a hot beverage to a cold one, and it can be quite annoying!
This kind of tooth pain originates in the dentin, the layer beneath your tooth enamel that contains tiny tubules leading to the nerve center of your tooth. When exposed to irritants, these tubules can stimulate the nerves, causing that zap of pain.
(note to Lindsy / Darlene can we do a graphic of a tooth and show ^ some of these tooth layers?)
How Do I Know If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
If you experience a sharp, brief pain in your teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli, you might have sensitive teeth. The pain usually subsides quickly once the irritant is removed.
What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?
Several factors can contribute to teeth sensitivity, including:
Worn tooth enamel: The enamel is the tough outer layer of your teeth that protects the dentin. When enamel wears down due to brushing too hard, grinding your teeth, or acidic foods, the dentin becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity.
Receding gums: Healthy gums form a tight seal around the base of your teeth. Gum recession exposes the root surface of your teeth, which is naturally more sensitive than enamel.
Cracked or chipped teeth: Cracks or chips in your teeth can create a direct pathway to the dentin, causing sensitivity.
Dental procedures: Certain dental procedures, like fillings or crowns, can temporarily irritate the dentin and cause sensitivity. This usually subsides within a few days.
Is Tooth Sensitivity a Sign of Poor Oral Health?
Not necessarily. While sensitivity can sometimes indicate a dental issue like a cavity or gum disease, it can also be caused by everyday habits or factors like naturally thin enamel. However, if your sensitivity is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like toothache or persistent pain, it's important to schedule a dental checkup to rule out any underlying problems.
Common Myths About Sensitive Teeth (Busted!)
Fact: Sensitivity is more about exposed dentin than weak teeth. Strong teeth can still have sensitive areas.
Fact: While sensitive toothpaste can help, addressing the underlying cause (worn enamel, gum recession) might be necessary for long-term relief. The team at Mill Pont Dental can recommend the best course of action.
Fact: Some people do experience temporary sensitivity during or after teeth whitening. However, professional whitening treatments like KöR offered at Mill Point Dental use gentle formulas and customized approaches to minimize this risk.
Schedule an appointment to tackle your tooth pain!
During your visit at Mill Point Dental, we can discuss your sensitivity concerns and recommend the best care for you, or discuss other cosmetic treatments (like whitening) and the risks of increasing sensitivity.
Ready to Conquer Sensitivity and Smile Brightly?
Don't let sensitive teeth hold you back from enjoying your life (or food!)
Schedule an appointment with Mill Point Dental today. We'll help diagnose the cause of your sensitivity and recommend solutions to get you back to pain-free smiles.