Tired of tooth twinges? Let’s dive into what causes that zing & how you can manage this common dental dilemma
The lowdown on sensitive teeth
If your teeth seem to throw a tantrum whenever you enjoy a hot coffee or a cold treat, you might have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth (sometimes known as dentin hypersensitivity) is the sudden sharp pain you might feel when you’re enjoying your favourite cold, hot, sweet or acidic treats. It can even happen while you’re just brushing your teeth. You’re not alone when dealing with tooth sensitivity – about one in three people deal with this daily drama.
Tooth sensitivity can happen when the protective enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) wears down, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin is the middle layer of the tooth (it’s just under the enamel). Fun fact – dentin is what gives your teeth their colour!
For some people, tooth sensitivity is a short-term problem, but for some people it can be long-term. It can affect just one tooth, several teeth or even all your teeth.
The not-so-fun symptoms
The main sign of sensitive teeth is a zinging pain or discomfort in response to triggers. Common triggers include:
- Hot food and drinks
- Cold food and drinks
- Cold air
- Sweet food and drinks
- Acidic food and drinks
- Cold water (this could even be during routine dental cleanings)
- Brushing or flossing your teeth
- Mouthwashes (especially ones which are alcohol based)
The pain can range from a mild twinge to a sharp, intense discomfort. Your symptoms might come and go over time.
Why so sensitive? Cracking the case
You might be wondering, “Why me?”. Well, some people’s teeth are naturally more sensitive than others as they might have thinner enamel. There are also a few common culprits behind tooth sensitivity which include:
- Using a hard toothbrush
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Grinding your teeth (this is also called bruxism)
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and drinks
Smoking can damage gum tissue and cause receding gums, which leaves the roots of the teeth exposed. As there’ll be an increased exposure of dentin, this could increase the risk of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity.
In some cases, other health conditions can cause tooth sensitivity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when acid from your stomach comes up your throat and into your mouth, which can wear down your teeth over time. Other conditions that make you be sick like gastroparesis and bulimia can also cause tooth sensitivity due to the acid.
Gum recession can leave sections of the tooth exposed which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Having tooth decay, chipped teeth or broken teeth can also leave the dentin exposed causing tooth sensitivity. In cases like this, you might only feel the sensitivity in one tooth or one area of your mouth instead of most of your teeth.
Dental work can also make your teeth temporarily sensitive. This includes work like getting fillings, crowns or teeth whitening. This sensitivity should reduce after several days.
Soothing sensitivity
If you have any of the symptoms of tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist. They can take a look at the health of your teeth and look to see if there’s a reason for your sensitivity. They might touch your teeth with dental instruments to check for sensitivity and if needed, they might send you for an X-ray to rule out any cavities that can’t be seen.
If your tooth sensitivity is mild, over-the-counter dental products can help.
Brush & protect
You can try toothpastes that are specially formulated for sensitive teeth like the Sensodyne Repair & Protect Original Sensitive Toothpaste. This toothpaste is designed to form a protective layer over the areas of sensitivity on your teeth and exposed dentin.
It also contains fluoride which can help to prevent tooth decay. If you’re using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Try to avoid spitting the toothpaste out and rinsing your mouth after brushing. If you have a tooth that’s particularly sensitive, you could also rub some of the toothpaste on that tooth too.
If you use mouthwash, choose one that’s alcohol free like the Listerine Advanced Enamel and Sensitivity Protection as they’re less irritating to sensitive teeth. This mouthwash creates a protective layer on the surface of the tooth to help shield the exposed dentin.
Soft touch
In some cases, changing your toothbrush can also help with tooth sensitivity. Using a soft toothbrush like the Colgate 360 Sensitive Pro-relief Extra Soft Toothbrush and brushing more gently can help. If you’re looking for a soft toothbrush, it will be labelled as ‘soft’. If you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, the Oral-B Pro 3 3000 White Electric Toothbrush comes with a sensitive brush head and can alert you if you’re brushing too hard.
Avoiding enamel’s enemies
You should try to avoid fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices and alcoholic drinks. Acidic food and drinks can lead to tooth sensitivity and in some cases, stop the toothpastes from working. You should also try to avoid very cold food and drinks as they can make your symptoms worse.
Quitting smoking can also help with managing tooth sensitivity. We understand that it is a difficult decision, so we’ve put together our top tips for overcoming cravings and quitting.
Guarding your teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, you can try using a mouthguard to help to protect your teeth. You can speak to your dentist for advice with managing teeth grinding.
When should I see a dentist?
If any health conditions are leading to your tooth sensitivity, these will need to be treated by the dentist before the enamel continues to wear away to prevent further enamel erosion.
If you make these changes, you should see an improvement to your tooth sensitivity. If the changes aren’t effective, you should speak to your dentist for more advice. They might apply a fluoride gel to your teeth to help protect them or a dental sealant which can help to protect the exposed dentin.
You should also make sure to book an appointment with your dentist if you have any symptoms of cavities or potential tooth damage. These symptoms can include:
- Spontaneous tooth pain that starts without a trigger or cause
- Tooth sensitivity in just one tooth
- Sharper pain instead of a mild pain
- Surface staining on your teeth
- Pain when you bite down or while you’re chewing
Having regular dental check-ups are key to help keep your sensitivity at bay. Your dentist can catch early signs of trouble and help you stay ahead of the game.
With a bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without that dreaded zing. Managing sensitive teeth doesn’t have to be a pain.
