Many of us have experienced that sudden, sharp sensation when taking a sip of a cold drink, enjoying an ice cream or biting into something sweet. For some people, it may only happen occasionally, while for others, tooth sensitivity can become a regular and uncomfortable part of everyday life.
Sensitive teeth are a common reason for patients to seek dental advice, but the causes are not always immediately obvious. It can be tempting to simply switch to a sensitive toothpaste and hope the problem improves, but sensitivity can sometimes be a sign that something else is affecting the teeth or gums. Understanding why teeth become sensitive can help you take better care of your smile and recognise when it may be time to book an appointment with your dentist.
Why do teeth become sensitive?
To understand tooth sensitivity, it can help to know a little about the structure of a tooth. The outer surface of the tooth is protected by enamel, which is the hard protective layer we see when we smile. Beneath the enamel is a softer layer called dentine.
Dentine contains tiny channels that lead towards the centre of the tooth, where the nerve is located. When dentine becomes exposed, things such as cold air, hot drinks, sweet foods or even brushing your teeth can trigger a sensation that travels through these channels towards the nerve. This can result in anything from a mild twinge to a sudden, sharp pain.
There are several reasons why dentine can become exposed, and sensitivity is not always caused by just one thing. Everyday habits, changes to the gums and natural wear over time can all play a part.
One of the most common causes is the gradual wearing away of tooth enamel. Although enamel is extremely strong, it can still be affected by repeated exposure to acids. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, wine and other acidic foods and drinks can contribute to enamel erosion over time. This does not necessarily mean you need to completely avoid everything you enjoy, but regularly exposing the teeth to acidic foods and drinks throughout the day can increase the amount of time your enamel is under attack.
Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic may also cause problems. Acid can temporarily soften the enamel, meaning brushing straight away may contribute to further wear. Giving your mouth time to recover before brushing can be a gentler approach.
Your gums can also play a part
Sensitivity is not always caused by a problem with the enamel on the visible part of the tooth. Changes to the gums can also expose areas of the tooth that are naturally more vulnerable. As gums recede, the roots of the teeth can become more exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is protected by enamel, the root surface does not have the same level of protection.
Gum recession can happen for several reasons. Gum disease may be a factor, as can brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush that is too firm. In some cases, gum recession may simply develop gradually over time.
If you notice that your teeth appear longer than they once did, or you can see a change around the gum line, it is worth mentioning this during your dental appointment. Healthy gums are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile, and looking after them can also help protect against some of the causes of tooth sensitivity.
Could the way you brush your teeth be contributing?
When trying to keep our teeth clean, it can be easy to assume that brushing harder means brushing better. In reality, applying too much pressure can cause unnecessary wear to both the teeth and gums. Aggressive brushing, particularly around the gum line, may gradually wear away enamel and contribute to gum recession. This can expose the more sensitive areas of the tooth.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently but thoroughly is usually a better approach. It is not about how hard you brush but how effectively you remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor may also be helpful for some people, as it can alert you when too much pressure is being applied.
If you are unsure whether you are brushing effectively, your dental team can offer advice based on your individual needs and show you the best way to care for your teeth and gums.
Teeth grinding and everyday wear
Teeth are designed to cope with the normal forces involved in eating and chewing, but excessive grinding or clenching can place additional pressure on them. Some people grind their teeth at night without realising it. Others may find themselves clenching their jaw during stressful situations or while concentrating.
Over time, this can contribute to wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth. In some cases, grinding can expose the underlying dentine and lead to increased sensitivity. Other signs of teeth grinding can include worn or flattened teeth, jaw discomfort, headaches or a feeling of tension in the face and jaw.
If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, it is worth discussing this with your dentist. They can assess your teeth for signs of wear and talk to you about the most appropriate options for protecting them.
Sensitivity can sometimes be a sign of another dental problem
Although many cases of tooth sensitivity are linked to enamel wear or exposed tooth roots, sensitivity should not always be dismissed as simply having “sensitive teeth”. A cavity, cracked tooth, leaking filling or other dental problem can sometimes cause discomfort that feels similar to sensitivity.
If the pain is affecting one particular tooth, is becoming more frequent or seems to linger after eating or drinking something hot or cold, it is particularly important to have it checked. The way pain behaves can sometimes provide useful clues. A brief sharp sensation may have a different cause from a persistent ache or pain that continues after the original trigger has gone.
A dental examination can help identify what may be causing the problem and whether any treatment is needed. This is one reason why regular dental check-ups remain so important. Not every problem is immediately visible or causes noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
What can you do to help sensitive teeth?
If you are experiencing mild sensitivity, there are several changes that may help reduce discomfort and protect your teeth from further wear.
A toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth may help reduce the transmission of sensations towards the nerve inside the tooth. However, different products may work differently for different people, and it can take time before you notice an improvement.
Being mindful of how and when you consume acidic foods and drinks can also make a difference. Constantly sipping acidic drinks over long periods can repeatedly expose your teeth to acid, so reducing the frequency of these exposures may be beneficial. Good oral hygiene remains essential, but this should always be gentle as well as thorough. A soft toothbrush and an effective brushing technique can help remove plaque without placing unnecessary pressure on your teeth and gums.
It is also important not to avoid brushing a sensitive area completely. If a particular tooth feels uncomfortable, you may naturally try to brush around it, but allowing plaque to build up could lead to further problems. If sensitivity is making brushing difficult, speak to your dental team rather than simply avoiding the area.
When should you see your dentist?
Occasional mild sensitivity may not always be a cause for concern, but persistent or worsening sensitivity should be checked.
It is especially important to make an appointment if you notice sudden sensitivity that has not been present before, pain affecting a particular tooth, discomfort when biting or chewing, visible damage to a tooth or sensitivity that continues for some time after the trigger has been removed. Changes to your gums, including bleeding, swelling or recession, should also be discussed with your dentist.
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of sensitivity without examining your teeth and gums. What appears to be a simple reaction to cold food could potentially have another underlying cause.
The good news is that there are a range of ways to manage sensitivity, depending on what is causing it. Sometimes a change in oral care habits may be enough to improve the problem, while in other cases, dental treatment may be recommended. The most important thing is not to simply put up with ongoing discomfort.
Sensitive teeth can make everyday things such as enjoying a hot drink or eating an ice cream less pleasant, but understanding the possible causes is an important first step towards finding a solution. Looking after your enamel, caring for your gums, using a gentle brushing technique and attending regular dental appointments can all play a part in protecting your teeth.
If you have noticed that your teeth have become more sensitive, or you are experiencing pain when eating or drinking, the team at The Priors Dental Practice can assess your oral health and help identify what may be causing the problem.
Sometimes the solution may be as simple as making a few changes to your daily routine. In other cases, identifying and treating the underlying cause early can help prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
If you have noticed that your teeth have become more sensitive, or you are experiencing discomfort when eating or drinking, it is always worth seeking professional advice.
At The Priors Dental Practice, our experienced team is here to help you maintain a healthy, comfortable smile. Whether you are concerned about tooth sensitivity, changes to your gums or any other aspect of your oral health, we can assess your individual needs and discuss the most appropriate options with you.
For further information, please contact us here.
