The Signs And Symptoms Of Tooth Sensitivity
To get right to the point, tooth pain happens when the nerves in your teeth become irritated. Normally, our teeth are covered in a protective layer of enamel. On the inside, there is a layer of material called dentin and then the pulp at the core of the tooth which is filled with connective tissue, blood vessels and the nerve of the tooth. If enamel becomes too thin or there’s a breach exposing the dentin, the nerve is no longer protected. Tooth sensitivity is most commonly caused by any number of practices or conditions that erode or damage tooth enamel.
The many ways that tooth enamel can become damaged:
- Drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages– especially before bed.
- Skipping routine tooth care including flossing!
- Brushing aggressively or using a hard toothbrush.
- Attempting to use professional dental tools at home.
- Health issues (like bulimia or acid reflux) which expose teeth to stomach acid.
- Untreated gum disease and gum recession.
- Damaged, cracked or chipped teeth.
- Dental cavities (especially if left untreated).
- Using tobacco products, cannabis products or vaping.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Overuse of some teeth whitening products.
What can you do about sensitive teeth?
The first and most important step to take after experiencing dental pain or discomfort is to see the dentist. We can rule out other possible underlying causes of your tooth pain and recommend treatments for any damage or decay detected during your appointment. With a formal diagnosis, you can feel confident that you’re moving in the right direction. Let’s break the whole process down:Figure out the underlying cause
We won’t make any assumptions. During your examination, you will be asked to describe the sensitivity and how often it happens. You may require new Xrays and the dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums. Other diagnostic tests like the tap test or cold test may prove helpful in your diagnosis.
Treatment in the office
Teeth that are damaged or decayed can be treated with a number of restorative options from something as common as a filling to more complex procedures such as crowns. For worn down enamel, you may be able to treat it at home but there are also in-office treatments that may be available. We’ll discuss all of your options with you and you get the final say.
Personalized Advice
As you’ve seen, there are a lot of different potential causes of tooth sensitivity. Upon the completion of a dental exam, your dentist will be able to really narrow it down for you. We can give you tips and tricks tailored specifically to your needs that will continue to strengthen your enamel at home and prevent future tooth decay.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chuck out your toothbrush and pick up one with soft bristles. Brush twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste and take care to gently clean along the gumline. Floss and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. Avoid acidic and sweet foods and drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and fruit juice especially before bed. If you catch yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, try practicing mindfulness or other relaxation techniques to give your jaw a break. To stop sensitive teeth pain for good, you will have to see the dentist so we can determine the underlying cause once and for all.
In some cases, improving your dental hygiene game at home can stop tooth sensitivity. When kept clean enough to prevent more erosion and decay, your enamel can actually heal. This process is helped tremendously with fluoride treatment. Fair warning though, dental pain is a natural indicator that something is wrong and it needs to be investigated. If your enamel has become so damaged or decayed that the dentin has become exposed you may be at risk of an infection or abscess.
Indirectly, stress can lead to tooth sensitivity. People who feel extra stressed out often neglect their routine oral care, indulge in sweet or acidic treats, or smoke more. Stress can also cause you to grind or clench your teeth. Sometimes people grind and clench while they’re asleep without even realizing it!
Acids wear down the enamel. Sweet and starchy foods feed the bacteria in your mouth which produces an acidic byproduct that wears down enamel. Hard foods can also wear away your enamel or risk damaging a tooth.
- Acidic foods: Coffee, wine and other alcohols, fruit juice and fruits (especially citrus!), soda pop, tomatoes, pickles and vinegar.
- Sweet foods: chocolate, jams and jellies, caramel, sugar, hard candies, ice cream and an extra special second mention for juice and soda!
- Simple starches: donuts, cake, bread, potato chips, crackers and cookies.
- Hard foods: chewing on ice, chewing hard candies, chewing foods that may contain a pit or hard kernel such as popcorn, cherries and olives.
- This doesn’t mean you need to avoid all these foods. Simply practice moderation and routinely clean your teeth, especially before bed.
Remember, you want low-acid, low-sugar drinks, snacks and meals. High fibre foods are excellent for your teeth and so is dairy because it promotes saliva production. Try to eat a nutritious, varied diet with plenty of protein and calcium. Here are some of the foods you can enjoy:
- Drinks: Water, green tea, black tea.
- Snacks: Raisins and nuts, celery and carrot sticks, apple slices. Cheese.
- Supper: Stir-fries, salads, wraps, meat and potatoes with a side of veggies.
- Dessert: Yogurt, ricotta and berries, apple sauce.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Benjamin Raine
2 months ago
I cannot recommend Dr. Grant Yiu and his staff enough. Truly wonderful people that happen to be amazing at their jobs, so professional but so comfortable at the same time. Somehow it is a beautiful mix of clean and cozy at a dental office??!! I am not the best at the dentist and always seem to revert into a 12 year old’s pain threshold, had my first pretty serious dental work (crown) and was almost literally, hand held through the whole experience. I’m stuck with them for life and forever grateful I needed emergency dental work.
steph dacosta
5 months ago
I normally find myself at Little Italy Dentistry every 4-6 months for a stellar cleaning with the incredibly friendly and detailed hygienist, Erin.
This time, when I found myself with a tooth emergency, the front desk staff got me in to see Dr. Yiu faster than an Ontario driver in a school zone. Both Dr. Yiu and dental assistant Claire immediately calmed my nerves, conducted a thorough exam, determined the problem and patched me right up.
Whether it's for a simple routine cleaning or something more serious, I trust the team at Little Italy Dentistry. Plus, they have the good mouthwash; not the burny stuff, or the poison that turns your mouth into a desert landscape.
My outside bones have never felt so good!
paul hart
5 months ago
I recently had my first visit to this amazing dental office. From the time I entered until I left the visit was exceptional. The staff at the desk were pleasant and very helpful. I needed a cleaning and have never so gentle yet through experience. The dentist is a very dedicated and caring professional.
This is now my dental office.
Paul Hart MD
Scott Mckenzie
7 months ago
Had an amazing experience with Little Italy Dentistry. The front of house team were delightful and Dr Grant Yiu was incredibly empathetic and kind. Fixed an issue with a filling I had from a different clinic and made me feel a lot better about my appearance. Will definitely be back. Thank you.
Dk
2 years ago
This is a great dental clinic. I’ve been with them for a long time and not planning to change. I used to live close by, but now, I still travel just get what I need done by my dentist. They just moved from their old location to a new one, more modern with lots of space. Very clean and amazing team.
Benjamin Raine
2 months ago
I cannot recommend Dr. Grant Yiu and his staff enough. Truly wonderful people that happen to be amazing at their jobs, so professional but so comfortable at the same time. Somehow it is a beautiful mix of clean and cozy at a dental office??!! I am not the best at the dentist and always seem to revert into a 12 year old’s pain threshold, had my first pretty serious dental work (crown) and was almost literally, hand held through the whole experience. I’m stuck with them for life and forever grateful I needed emergency dental work.
steph dacosta
5 months ago
I normally find myself at Little Italy Dentistry every 4-6 months for a stellar cleaning with the incredibly friendly and detailed hygienist, Erin.
This time, when I found myself with a tooth emergency, the front desk staff got me in to see Dr. Yiu faster than an Ontario driver in a school zone. Both Dr. Yiu and dental assistant Claire immediately calmed my nerves, conducted a thorough exam, determined the problem and patched me right up.
Whether it's for a simple routine cleaning or something more serious, I trust the team at Little Italy Dentistry. Plus, they have the good mouthwash; not the burny stuff, or the poison that turns your mouth into a desert landscape.
My outside bones have never felt so good!
paul hart
5 months ago
I recently had my first visit to this amazing dental office. From the time I entered until I left the visit was exceptional. The staff at the desk were pleasant and very helpful. I needed a cleaning and have never so gentle yet through experience. The dentist is a very dedicated and caring professional.
This is now my dental office.
Paul Hart MD
Scott Mckenzie
7 months ago
Had an amazing experience with Little Italy Dentistry. The front of house team were delightful and Dr Grant Yiu was incredibly empathetic and kind. Fixed an issue with a filling I had from a different clinic and made me feel a lot better about my appearance. Will definitely be back. Thank you.
Dk
2 years ago
This is a great dental clinic. I’ve been with them for a long time and not planning to change. I used to live close by, but now, I still travel just get what I need done by my dentist. They just moved from their old location to a new one, more modern with lots of space. Very clean and amazing team.
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