If a sip of iced coffee or a bite of ice cream sends a sharp jolt through your teeth, you are dealing with tooth sensitivity. It is one of the most common complaints we hear, and while it is often manageable, it can also be a sign that something needs attention. The good news is that sensitive teeth usually respond well to simple changes.

Why teeth become sensitive

Beneath your enamel is a layer called dentin, which contains thousands of tiny channels leading toward the nerve. When dentin is exposed, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic things can reach those channels and trigger that familiar sting. Common reasons dentin becomes exposed include:

• Gum recession: When gums pull back, the root surface, which has no enamel, is left unprotected.
• Enamel wear: Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled brush, or frequent acidic foods and drinks can thin enamel over time.
• Tooth grinding: Clenching and grinding can wear down enamel and cause tiny cracks.
• Cavities or cracked teeth: Decay or a fracture can expose the inner tooth.
• Recent dental work: Mild, short-term sensitivity after a filling or whitening is normal.

Relief you can try at home

• Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste. Look for ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, and use it consistently for a few weeks. You can also dab a little on sensitive spots before bed.
• Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular strokes instead of scrubbing.
• Limit acidic foods and drinks such as soda, citrus, and sports drinks, and rinse with water afterward.
• Wait before brushing after something acidic. About 30 minutes gives enamel time to recover.

More help for sensitive teeth

Nighttime clenching is a common and often overlooked cause of sensitive teeth, so take a look at our post on teeth grinding and night guards. For more background on enamel and tooth sensitivity, visit the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy.org.

When to see your dentist

Call us if sensitivity is focused on one tooth, lingers long after the hot or cold is gone, wakes you up at night, or comes with swelling or pain when you bite. These can point to decay, a crack, or a nerve problem that needs treatment.

In the office, we can apply fluoride varnish or bonding agents to seal exposed areas, recommend a night guard if grinding is the cause, or treat gum recession. At Michiana Family Dental, our goal is to find the reason behind your sensitivity so you can enjoy your favorite foods again without wincing.