Sensitive Teeth: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Pain from sensitive teeth is something that up to 1 in 8 people may suffer from. From temperature-induced reactions to pain when eating various foods and drinks, dental sensitivity can affect anyone.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitivity is most often caused by:

• Worn or exposed tooth dentine, from genetic factors, acidic food and drink or teeth grinding.
• The unexpected exposure of the dental surface if you have receding gums.

Knowing the causes of worn enamel and understanding how to prevent this could help you make sensitive teeth pain a thing of the past.

Sensitive teeth symptoms

The main symptom of sensitive teeth is tooth pain or discomfort when your teeth come into contact with food and drink. The level of pain can vary vastly, depending on the severity of:

• The gum line erosion that exposes the dentine
• Other dental problems
• How regularly you go for dental checks
• The type of food or drink you consume

Substances known to cause sensitive teeth include foods and drinks that are: hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or alcohol-based. You might find symptoms come and go, and the severity of the pain may ease or become worse, again without an apparent reason. 

What causes sensitive teeth?

There are a number of things that cause sensitive teeth. Some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Eating and drinking very acidic or sweet foods, which wear down enamel.
• Using abrasive toothpastes, which aim to whiten your teeth
• If you suffer from gum disease or gum recession

All of the above can lead to long-term pain from sensitivity as the surface of the tooth becomes exposed. Exposure to the wrong dental cleaning products, sugary foods and drinks can also cause longer-term wear on the enamel.

An often unexpected cause of pain can be sensitive teeth during pregnancy. The change in hormones, increased blood flow, and higher risk of gum disease can lead to pregnant individuals suffering from noticeable discomfort. It might be beneficial to use a densensitsing toothpaste during pregnancy, and a soft bristled toothbrush.

We're going through some other common causes of sensitive teeth below.

Teeth sensitivity after whitening

Sensitive teeth pain after whitening is not uncommon. The pain caused by teeth whitening happens because the substance has to make its way deep into the enamel for the dental bleaching agents to work well.

As a result, the whitening chemicals enter the microscopic channels in your teeth’s enamel, which lead to nerves. This results in a sharp pain when you eat or drink. The good news is, sensitive teeth pain after whitening only tends to last a few days as the bleaching agents enter the enamel. 

Sensitive teeth after extraction

It isn't unusual to experience some pain after an extraction, and most people expect some level of pain after it. It can come as a surprise to some when they suffer from sensitive teeth.

This is most likely caused by more exposed enamel near the site of the extracted tooth. It can also be a result of the inflammation caused by dental treatment or a change in the bite and structure of your mouth.

The pain should reduce naturally as the inflammation settles and your mouth adapts to the change. Make sure you use fluoride toothpaste and brush and floss gently until the inflammation has gone.

Sensitive teeth after veneers, crowns or implants

As with any alterations of the mouth, getting veneers, crowns, or implants can cause a degree of sensitivity. When getting veneers, dentists remove enamel from the teeth so that the veneers don’t look unnatural.

You might experience teeth becoming more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and acidic substances. However, once your permanent veneers have been fitted and bonded, they protect sensitive teeth. For anybody experiencing pain after these treatments, the discomfort should ease within a few days or weeks.

Patients may also notice pain after getting crowns, receiving an implant, or experiencing sensitive teeth after hygienist visits. The main cause is likely to be disruption of the outer enamel layer. Once the crowns or implants have settled, the sensitive teeth pain should settle down, too.

How to treat sensitive teeth

The most common cause of sensitive teeth is a gradual breakdown in the protective layer of enamel on the outer surface of the teeth. As well as treatments for sensitive teeth, there are a few ways to prevent this from happening in the first place.

• The first is simply starting with the appropriate toothbrush. Dentists typically recommend a medium or soft-bristle brush, but check this with your dentist.
• You shouldn’t apply too much pressure when brushing, as this can again cause excessive wear. A correct brushing technique can help to avoid dental sensitivity.
• Remember to brush your teeth a minimum of two times a day.
• Regular dental checks are vital to maintain optimal dental health.
• Try not to consume too many acidic or sweet foods.
•  You should avoid unproven home remedies for teeth whitening and should always seek a dentist’s advice about safe home whitening materials before proceeding.
• Finally, if you grind your teeth, ask for advice from your dentist, as this is a known cause of tooth sensitivity. 

Sensitive teeth treatment: severe cases

While dentists can suggest several treatment options for sensitive teeth, sometimes the pain can become so disruptive that more extreme dental care measures are needed.

• A surgical gum graft

This is a procedure used if a person has gum disease or dental issues where the gum tissue has eroded from the root of a tooth. A gum graft could be fitted to form a barrier between the two and prevent dental sensitivity. This procedure must be decided by a periodontist.

Similarly, treatments like gingival curettage and root planning may be beneficial for people with gum disease.

Sensitive teeth and orthodontics

Experiencing sensitive teeth after receiving orthodontic treatment is not at all uncommon. Often, when brackets and wires are placed on the teeth, you can experience pain as the structure of your teeth changes.

Despite not having any scientific studies available regarding this subject, less invasive forms of dental straightening, such as Impress’ invisible aligners, are shown to cause less sensitivity.

If you’re interested in getting discreet, convenient and comfortable orthodontic treatment take a look at our treatments, all offered at a competitive price.

Our clinical approach is fundamental to your oral health, and the first step, your orthodontic evaluation, is completely free. Book an appointment with us here, or send us a message on WhatsApp.