What causes sensitive teeth, and how can I treat them?
Answer From Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S.
When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.
If you're bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain. Depending on the circ*mstances, your dentist might recommend:
- Desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter. Ask your dentist which product might work best for you.
- Fluoride. Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. He or she might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.
- Desensitizing or bonding. Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
- Surgical gum graft. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
- Root canal. If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren't effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth's soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it's considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.
To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Use gentle strokes, rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing, and avoid using an abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. Tooth grinding can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity.
You might also consider taking care when eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and wine — all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth.
With
Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S.
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Dec. 07, 2021
- Liu X, et al. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of dentin hypersensitivity: An evidence-based overview for dental practitioners. BMC Oral Health. 2020; doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-01199-z.
- Home oral care recommendations to reduce the risk of caries and gum disease. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/HomeOralCare_Web_Final_July2018.pdf?la=en. Accessed Sept. 22, 2021.
- Chow AW. Complications, diagnosis, and treatment of odontogenic infections. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 27, 2021.
- Gerstner GE, et al. Sleep-related bruxism (tooth grinding). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 27, 2021.
- Zeola LF, et al. Prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry. 2019; doi: https;//doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2018.12.015.
- Salinas TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 13, 2018.
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FAQs
The most effective way to eliminate severe pain from sensitive teeth is by getting them treated with an advanced procedure like Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics). In Root Canal, dentists remove all of the damaged nerve cells inside the decayed part of their roots, so they no longer hurt at all!
How can I fix my sensitive teeth permanently? ›
Inlays or bonding can help fix a tooth and decrease sensitivity. Gum grafts can help protect the root area of the tooth. Fluoride gel or varnish treatment can help protect your teeth from wear and tear. Root Canal therapy if needed can help with severe tooth sensitivity, but this is typically the last resort.
What medication is good for tooth sensitivity? ›
Painkiller paracetamol: A pain reliever commonly used Currently, paracetamol helps to relieve tooth sensitivity quickly. Group of antibiotics and aspirin: has a faster pain-reducing effect than paracetamol, helping to kill bacteria that cause oral diseases. 2.3.
How do dentists deal with sensitive teeth? ›
Sensitivity can take some time to settle, and you may need to have several appointments. If this still does not help, your dental team may seal or fill around the neck of the tooth, where the tooth and gum meet, to cover exposed dentine. In very serious cases it may be necessary to root-fill the tooth.
Does salt water help sensitive teeth? ›
A salt water rinse is an easy way to relieve mild discomfort or pain caused by tooth sensitivity. Rinsing your teeth with warm salt water a few times a day can help reduce any inflammation as well.
How do you desensitize hypersensitive teeth? ›
Sometimes you need the assistance of your dental professional to desensitize your teeth. Your dentist can apply a thin layer of a fluoride gel or another type of desensitizing agent to strengthen your enamel which will help reduce teeth sensitivity and stop the transmissions to your nerves causing pain.
Can you leave Sensodyne on teeth overnight? ›
Coating the sore tooth near the gum line with a thin film of desensitizing toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) before bed and leaving it on can act desensitize teeth during the night. Just be sure not to drink water after applying.
What is the best prescription for sensitive teeth? ›
Fluoride. Your dentist may apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth. This can help strengthen tooth enamel and ease pain. Your dentist also might suggest that you use prescription fluoride at home.
How do you fight tooth sensitivity? ›
Use fluoride products: Fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and help protect against sensitivity. Use fluoride toothpaste, and consider using a fluoride mouthwash or receiving professional fluoride treatments from your dentist.
Can tooth sensitivity be cured naturally? ›
Natural remedies can help cure sensitive teeth without requiring expensive treatments or medications. One of the most popular methods is oil pulling with coconut oil; simply swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes each day before spitting it out and rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
Several different factors can cause teeth sensitivity, including worn enamel, exposed roots, cavities, cracks and even recent dental procedures. Whether you need treatment depends on the cause. You can address mildly sensitive teeth with desensitizing toothpaste and good oral hygiene.
What deficiency causes sensitive teeth? ›
It has been identified that some vitamin deficiencies can lead to sensitive teeth. Apparently, these vitamins include calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Calcium is a known vitamin that helps build bones. If the body lacks calcium, it will start to extract calcium from the bones and teeth, making them weaker.
Can you permanently fix sensitive teeth? ›
Consider a root canal
If other treatments are not giving you the comfort you need and you are regularly experiencing discomfort from a particular tooth, your dentist may suggest getting a root canal. Root Canal treatments remove the sensitive nerves from the tooth.
What triggers dental hypersensitivity? ›
This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including gingival recession, aggressive brushing, enamel erosion, and tooth grinding. While there is no cure for dental hypersensitivity, there are several treatments available to help alleviate symptoms and reduce sensitivity.
How do you treat dental hypersensitivity? ›
Desensitisers. Dentin desensitisers are products used by dental professionals to treat dentinal hypersensitivity. Desensitisers have different ingredients, such as fluoride, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glutaraldehyde, oxalate and potassium nitrate, as well as a combination of these ingredients.
Is there a coating for sensitive teeth? ›
Exposed dentin leaves the nerves vulnerable to irritation from cold, hot, sweet, or acidic stimulants. This is where dental sealant for sensitive teeth comes in. This innovative treatment acts as a protective barrier, shielding the exposed dentin and preventing irritants from reaching the nerves.
How to stop tooth pain fast? ›
To ease toothache quickly, a person can rinse their mouth using salt water or hydrogen peroxide. They can then apply OTC topical medications or clove oil to numb the affected area and use an ice pack. A person should always consult a dentist if tooth pain persists, regardless of the severity of the pain.
Can you apply Sensodyne directly to a tooth? ›
Sensodyne Rapid Action is the only Sensodyne variant recommended for dabbing directly onto sensitive teeth. Sensodyne Rapid Action can be directly applied by fingertip to a sensitive tooth for one minute to provide fast acting protection. Individual results may vary.
