Ouch! What Causes Sensitive Teeth (and How to Fix It)

The holiday season is right around the corner, and nothing ruins a hot cocoa by the fire quite like a sudden jolt of tooth pain. For patients at our Middleburg, VA practice and around Loudoun County, here's what's actually causing sensitive teeth and how to keep it from getting in the way of the season.

Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

• Tooth decay

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Gum disease

• Teeth grinding

• Enamel erosion

• Exposed tooth roots

Sensitivity generally shows up when the tooth's protective layers wear down. The crown, the part of the tooth you can see, is protected by enamel. Below the gum line, the root is protected by a layer called cementum. Underneath both of these is dentin, a softer material containing tiny hollow canals. When enamel or cementum wears away, those canals let heat, cold, sweet, or acidic foods reach the nerve inside the tooth, which is what causes the discomfort. Gum recession can expose dentin the same way. Treatment depends on what's actually causing it.

Common Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

Desensitizing toothpaste: These contain compounds that help block the nerve from picking up on triggers like hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. Available over the counter or by prescription, and it usually takes several uses before you notice the full effect.

Fluoride treatment: Strong enamel blocks irritants from getting through in the first place, and fluoride helps strengthen it. In-office fluoride treatments are the most concentrated way to get this benefit.

Dental restoration: A crown, inlay, or filling can resolve sensitivity caused by decay or damage, often bringing quick relief once it's placed.

Gum graft: Gum tissue doesn't grow back on its own, so if recession has exposed tooth roots, a surgical gum graft can cover them back up and reduce sensitivity.

Root canal: For sensitivity that hasn't responded to less invasive treatments, a root canal removes the nerve and pulp inside the tooth, eliminating sensitivity in that tooth entirely.

Once enamel wears away, it doesn't come back, so prevention really is the best strategy. A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure while brushing go a long way toward protecting these layers before you need any of the treatments above.

If you're dealing with sensitive teeth, it's worth scheduling an appointment or at least mentioning it at your next routine visit. We can pin down the actual cause and walk you through the treatment options that make sense for you.

Dealing with sensitive teeth this season? Schedule an appointment with Middleburg Smiles today.