March 30, 2024
Do you have teeth sensitivity, and is it stopping you from having your favourite foods? Is tooth sensitivity taking the joy out of your daily life as the sharp sensation suddenly hits you, catching you unaware?
If this is the case, don’t worry. You will understand the exact cause of the problem, symptoms, and ways to stop sensitive teeth pain. This helpful guide will be able to choose the best course of treatment.
Suppose your tooth sensitivity has been there for more than a week. In that case, it may be time to book an appointment with Kirkland Premier Dentistry.
Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
Sometimes, people experience pain or discomfort when they eat hot foods and drinks, cold food and drinks, or breathe through their mouth. The sensation may be a short, sharp, painful one with any of the above activities. This sharp twinge is an exaggerated response to stimuli. The stimulus may be an icy food/drink, a hot food/drink, acidic foods/drinks, exposure to air when breathing from the mouth or even brushing teeth.
There may be a mild discomfort or a sharp, painful spasm which is why people want to know ways to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately. The pain may be intermittent in most cases which may be worse on some occasions and a minor discomfort on others. You can have sensitivity in all teeth or a few teeth, as there are so many causes of sensitive teeth.
Causes of tooth sensitivity: know the culprits
Teeth are such remarkable structures that help us speak, eat and smile. These are remarkably engineered structures by nature that are constantly working and withstanding pressure. Let us first start by knowing the structure of the tooth and how damage to it causes sensitivity.
The first layer of the tooth is called a crown, which sits above the gum line and is covered by a hard outer layer, which is called enamel. This is a white layer and probably the strongest substance in our bodies. This visible first layer protects the inner structure from decay and damage.
The second layer is composed of dentin, which is also a very strong substance but not as strong as enamel. It has tiny tubes which connect to the innermost pulp. This layer makes up the majority of the tooth structure.
The innermost substance is the pulp, which has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. This is the area responsible for tooth development and sensation. It is a delicate soft tissue.
To prevent or stop pain from sensitive teeth, you must protect your tooth structure.
The part of the tooth that is anchored in the jawbone and lies beneath the gum line is called the root. It is covered by a strong substance called cementum. Molars have the most roots, while incisors and canines typically have just one root.
When something causes the enamel to wear off, the dentin of the tooth gets exposed. This makes the tooth sensitive as the nerves pass signals from the root to the brain, causing those sharp twinges. Foods that you once enjoyed without any trouble will now be triggering pain and sensitivity.
Causes include:
- Aggressive brushing- using a hard bristled toothbrush, using an abrasive toothpaste, and not using proper brushing techniques can wear down the enamel over time. This exposes the dentin, which triggers the nerve signals which bring about sensitivity and pain.
- Acidic foods and drinks- it is well known that acidic foods and drinks will wear down tooth enamel and expose the nerve endings, making the teeth sensitive. Apart from soft drinks, high-sugar drinks, undiluted vinegar, and even fruits like lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits can cause this problem.
- Tooth whitening procedures- especially the ones you do at home can make teeth sensitive as they have chemicals which may be damaging if used frequently. Rather than searching for how to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately after whitening, you should get professional help to avoid such side effects.
- Gum Disease- it is important to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss regularly, and get professional help to avoid and treat dental plaque. Otherwise, the plaque can lead to gum inflammation and infection. The gums may recede as a result, which will expose the nerve endings, causing sensitivity.
- Teeth grinding- grinding teeth while sleeping or as a stress-induced habit can also damage the enamel and expose the dentin. This must be corrected to stop pain from tooth sensitivity.
- Decay and cavities- a damaged dental filling, a cavity, or caries too can cause pain as well as sensitivity in the teeth. If not corrected, you will eventually lose the tooth if it gets severely decayed.
- Hormonal changes- during pregnancy, periods, or menopause may cause temporary gum recession and sensitivity. This may resolve on its own or may need professional help.
- Dry mouth- which may be caused by certain medications, infections like Lyme disease, etc, can also cause tooth sensitivity. People wonder if Lyme disease can cause the teeth to fall out. It will not directly lead to tooth loss. Still, chronic gum inflammation, dry mouth, and TMJ dysfunction may make teeth more vulnerable to decay. Reach out to us for direct help and guidance.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)- can also erode tooth enamel, which can expose the roots, causing sensitivity.
- Sinus problems- can cause sensitivity without any damage to the teeth because of referred pain.
Home Remedies To Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately
If you have teeth sensitivity for more than a week, you must get professional dental treatment. It is better to ask your dentist before trying home remedies for teeth sensitivity.
A few things you can try at home are:
- Use a salt rinse to reduce gum inflammation.
- Use desensitizing toothpastes
- Use fluoridated toothpastes. You can ask your dentist if a fluoride rinse is safe for you.
- Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil may provide temporary relief.
- Avoid triggering foods for some time while you treat the underlying cause.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks or minimize contact with teeth.
- Rinse after every meal.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
- If you have GERD or sinusitis, get treatment from a licensed healthcare professional.
- Adopt healthier and more accurate brushing and flossing habits.
Stop sensitive teeth pain immediately after whitening by avoiding culprit foods and drinks for the next 24-48 hours, using a desensitizing toothpaste, applying a cold compress externally on the cheek, and using OTC pain relievers within the safe dosage. The best thing is to seek professional help.
Conclusion
Some causes of sensitivity and pain in teeth may be benign and temporary. These resolve on their own. Other causes may be more damaging and can even lead to loss of tooth or teeth if not treated. This is why it is important to see a dentist to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Suppose a medical issue like sinusitis, Lyme disease, or hormonal issues are causing the problem. In that case, your dentist can refer you to a specialist. Sometimes dental treatments are required for these cases, too.
It is best to consult a dentist before using any home remedies. If you need professional help, procedures like dental bonding, fluoride treatment, and dentin sealers may be effective. Some people may need a dental filling or root canal treatment to treat the cause of tooth sensitivity. At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, our experts excel at diagnosis and treatment for tooth sensitivity. Get your appointment soon.
FAQ –
1. How do you make a sensitive tooth stop hurting?
For immediate relief, you can try salt rinse, desensitizing toothpaste, and avoiding foods that trigger sensitivity. For long-term relief, you will need dental treatment. If the pain is due to hormonal changes, sinusitis, or dental treatment, then it will resolve after some time.
2. Will tooth sensitivity go away?
Suppose it is due to recent dental procedures, a minor chipping of the tooth, a sinus infection, or a temporary hormonal issue. In that case, tooth sensitivity pain will go away on its own. In other cases, you will need treatment, and it will go away.
3. Is there any medicine for sensitive teeth?
There are no specific medicines to cure sensitive teeth. Still, over-the-counter painkillers and desensitizing toothpaste may provide temporary relief. Fluoride gels or treatments will provide relief after repeated application. If a dental issue is the underlying cause, then treating it will give lasting relief from sensitivity.
4. Does salt water help sensitive teeth?
Saltwater rinses can help with tooth sensitivity because it has anti-inflammatory properties, can also reduce oral bacteria, and may even have a mild numbing effect.
5. Can periodontal disease make teeth sensitive?
Periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, which will expose the nerve endings, leading to pain and sensitivity. But did you know that periodontal disease can cause the teeth to fall out as it weakens the bone and the tissues that support the tooth?
6. Is chewing ice bad for you?
Chewing ice is bad for teeth because it can cause chipping, tooth fracture, or damage to the enamel over a period, leading to pain and sensitivity.
7. Can wisdom teeth cause headaches and sensitivity?
Erupting wisdom teeth can irritate the surrounding nerves and tissues, which can cause headaches and sensitivity. Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause radiating pain leading to headaches and also cause significant sensitivity.
