You go to take a sip of your morning coffee only to wince when you feel the familiar stinging pain in your teeth. Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity, where you feel a brief but sharp pain when you eat or drink hot, cold or sweet treats. You don’t need to suffer in silence as there are many treatments for this common condition. Discussing concerns with your dentist can help with prevention or treatment of tooth sensitivity.
If you’re experiencing pain, the first step is to visit your dentist to rule out a possible cavity or other dental problem.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Normally, your teeth are protected from pain by the enamel surrounding your tooth’s crown above the gumline. Under this enamel is a thin protective layer called cementum. Tooth sensitivity occurs when irritants cross these protected layers and interact with the microscopic tubes in the porous dentin layer beneath that lead to the centre of the tooth containing the nerve.
If you’re experiencing pain, the first step is to visit your dentist to rule out a possible cavity or other dental problem. Tooth decay, a cracked tooth, teeth grinding and worn-out fillings can all be potential causes of pain and need to be treated quickly. Tooth pain can also be caused by intense overbrushing or a lack of brushing, which can cause painful, inflamed gums that pull back from the tooth’s surface. When gums recede, the root of your tooth is exposed, which can lead to sensitivity.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
The first step to preventing tooth sensitivity is to keep up good oral care. Brush gently but thoroughly twice a day and floss daily to prevent bacteria from hardening into harmful tartar (which causes gums to recede). It is possible to aggravate your gums by brushing too forcefully.
You want to select a toothbrush with soft bristles that you replace every three to four months (or earlier if the bristles show damage). Clean all the surfaces of your teeth slowly and carefully for around two minutes or as advised by your dentist. A systematic, thorough cleaning is far more important than a harsh, abrasive scrubbing.
You also want to avoid smoking and oral piercings, which can irritate gums. Limit your intake of acidic drinks such as wine and soda, as these can weaken enamel when over-consumed. Reduce tooth grinding with stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, daily exercise and/or a tooth guard if recommended by your dentist.
How to Treat Sensitive Teeth
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity even as you practice preventative care, there are several ways your dentist can help reduce your pain and discomfort.
First, your dentist can help identify exactly what is causing your sensitivity in order to provide a targeted solution tailored to your individual needs. You may need to brush with a specialised toothpaste over an extended time to help reduce stimulation to the nerve in your tooth, which is causing the pain. Your dentist may also recommend a specialised mouthwash that contains less acid than traditional brands. If these treatments are ineffective, your dentist can recommend more aggressive options.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment Options
While good oral hygiene helps prevent sensitivity, some cases require in-office treatments to strengthen enamel, repair damage or protect exposed nerve endings. Below are some of the most common options for sensitive teeth pain relief.
- Fluoride Gel — Fluoride treatments help strengthen weakened enamel and reduce sensitivity by reinforcing the protective layer over exposed dentin. Your dentist may apply a high-concentration fluoride gel in-office, providing immediate relief while helping to remineralise teeth over time. For long-term benefits, your dentist may also recommend prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste for daily use.
- Fillings or Crowns — Worn or damaged teeth can expose sensitive dentin, causing sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods. Your dentist may recommend fillings or crowns to repair decayed, cracked or eroded teeth. These restorations provide a protective barrier, reducing sensitivity and preventing further damage while restoring the tooth’s strength and function.
- Root Canal — If sensitivity becomes severe and persistent, it could be caused by nerve damage inside the tooth. A root canal can provide lasting relief from sensitive tooth pain by removing the inflamed or infected pulp, eliminating sensitivity at its source. The tooth must then be sealed and protected with a filling or crown, preserving its structure while preventing further discomfort.
- Gingival (Gum) Graft — Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth, making them highly sensitive to temperature changes and acidic foods. A gingival graft involves taking healthy tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to the affected area, covering exposed roots and reducing sensitivity. This procedure also strengthens gum health, preventing further recession.
- Dental Bonding or Sealants — Dental bonding is an effective sensitive teeth treatment that involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to exposed dentin or worn enamel. This seals microscopic tubules and prevents external stimuli from triggering pain. The procedure is minimally invasive, long-lasting and restores tooth function. It’s an excellent option for sensitive teeth pain relief without requiring major dental work.
Sensitive Teeth Pain Relief Starts Here
Tooth sensitivity shouldn’t disrupt your daily life. Hills Dental Care offers expert-led sensitive teeth treatment using the latest, most effective techniques. As an ADA-accredited clinic, we prioritise gentle, patient-focused care in a comfortable setting. If you or a loved one suffers from sensitive teeth, contact Hills Dental Care to schedule an appointment today.
