Managing Tooth Sensitivity: Proven Strategies for Pain‑Free Smiles

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of tooth sensitivity and to tackle the cause. So if you’re tired of not being able to enjoy icy drinks or bite into hot food without pain, there is likely to be a simple solution that can help you.

Causes of tooth sensitivity

Sensitivity occurs when the nerves of your teeth become exposed. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common cause would be damage to the enamel. The enamel forms a protective layer around your teeth, but it can develop small pores that leave the tooth below exposed.

Enamel can be damaged or exposed for a number of reasons. First is from acid erosion, which slowly removes the soft top layer of the teeth. You can also develop sensitivity following procedures like an oral hygienist cleaning or teeth whitening.

Your teeth might be sensitive to different triggers, including:

Very hot food and drink

Very cold food and drink

Sweet or sour foods

Smiling in cold wind

Brushing or flossing

Pressing on areas of the teeth

Chewing or clenching the jaw

The most common symptom of sensitivity is a sharp, stabbing sensation that seems to spread through your tooth and up the root.

How to tackle sensitivity

No matter what triggers your sensitivity, you can tackle it in the same way. The best approach is to review your oral care routine and introduce some new steps and products.

First, you should switch to a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. This is designed to close the small pores in your teeth so the nerves are no longer exposed and vulnerable.

If you are planning to have teeth whitening treatment, you can avoid the risk of sensitive teeth by switching to a sensitive toothpaste in advance. You should continue using this after your treatment.

If you know certain foods and drinks trigger your sensitivity, it’s a good idea to avoid them until the issue is resolved. You can also avoid cold liquids coming into contact with your teeth by drinking through a straw, for example. Cut out things like fizzy drinks, sweets, or sour sweets until you have got the issue under control.

Routine changes for sensitive teeth

First and foremost, you need to make sure you are brushing twice a day and flossing daily, even if these activities lead to discomfort. Stopping your oral care routine could cause the problem to become much worse.

If you are brushing with a toothpaste designed for sensitivity, avoid rinsing your mouth with water after you spit out the toothpaste. This will allow the toothpaste to remain on your teeth where it can be most effective.

If you are using home whitening products, stop using these and visit your dentist. It could be that you are sensitive to the ingredients and you need a milder formulation. You might also need to take longer breaks between treatments to allow the gaps in your enamel to close.

How can your dentist help?

If you are struggling with sensitivity and nothing seems to be helping, it might be time to visit the dentist. Your dentist can recommend treatments such as fluoride treatment that will help to strengthen your enamel.

If your tooth sensitivity is the result of tooth decay or damage to the tooth root, you might need treatment and a crown to protect the tooth. This should help to stop your sensitivity.

Another possible treatment would be veneers or composite bonding. This will help to cover up your teeth to provide a buffer that might help to put a stop to the sharp, painful experience. However, it’s important to note that some people experience sensitivity as a result of these treatments, so there is a risk that it won’t improve the situation.

There are some instances where sensitivity could become permanent. This often occurs when there is overpronation of the tooth in advance or treatments like crowns. It can also happen when the patient has been over-whitening their teeth, usually by accessing unsafe whitening products.

If your sensitivity is considered to be permanent, your dentist can explore treatment options with you. This could include bonding to provide protection to the tooth, or extraction in extreme cases. Wherever possible, we always try to maintain the natural teeth over an extraction.

If you’re struggling with sensitivity, book an appointment with our team today. We can help get to the heart of the issue and offer treatment recommendations to bring you relief.