If you experience tooth sensitivity, you are not alone. Many people experience sensitivity while eating and drinking things like hot, cold, sweet, or sour. These sharp pains can seem to go straight through the tooth. Let’s dig in to see what causes tooth sensitivity and what you can do to stop it.
Why are my teeth so sensitive?
Sensitivity usually involves the outer two layers of the teeth: dentin and enamel.
Enamel is the outermost layer that protects the tooth from damage with chewing and eating. It also insulates the tooth from hot and cold temperatures.
Dentin is the second and largest layer of a tooth. It is softer than enamel and contains tiny pores called tubules.
The dentin tubules have direct access to the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is the nerve and blood supply of the tooth.
Dentin is typically covered with enamel, hidden below the gumline, or protected in the bone. Hypersensitivity most often occurs when the dentin becomes exposed in the mouth.
This may happen for reasons like:
Aggressive brushing. Either pressing your toothbrush too hard while brushing or using a toothbrush with too stiff bristles.
Dental erosion. Commonly associated with acid reflux, vomiting, or frequent high-acidic foods and drinks.
Gum recession. This can happen naturally with age but can commonly be related to gum disease as well.
Clenching and grinding. The enamel can become weak and damaged as the teeth rub together.
Whitening products. Some whitening products use harsh chemicals and abrasives that can increase sensitivity.
Sensitive teeth can affect as much as 30% of the population and can happen at any age. Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks is one of the most common complaints of patients to dental professionals.
Food and drink connection to teeth sensitivity
Our teeth are unique in that they only react with pain if there is a direct stimulus. This is a natural protective reaction of the tooth. When the tooth nerve perceives danger, it alerts you by signaling pain. So, when the dentin becomes exposed, certain foods and drinks can trigger a premature response from the nerve. Therefore, your tooth is trying to protect itself from more damage by alerting you in the only way it can.
The most common things teeth become hypersensitive to are:
Hot and cold
It is common for things like ice cream, tea, and coffee to cause tooth pain. In fact, teeth being sensitive to cold and hot is one of the most common complaints for mild dental discomfort. The tooth nerve reacts as the temperature moves through the dentinal tubules.
Sweets
As most of us know, eating or drinking sugary foods increases the risk of cavities. But sugar also increases acid production in the mouth, weakening enamel and increasing hypersensitivity. Areas with exposed dentin are at greater risk for sensitivity as well. You may need to limit sugary drinks, candy, and desserts to prevent sensitivity.
Sour, citrus, and acidic foods
Citric acid can especially increase tooth sensitivity. When tooth structures encounter acid in fruits or sour foods, they become weaker and more susceptible to damage. Regular, repeated exposure weakens the tooth layers that protect the nerve, and the tooth reacts with pain. Common foods include fruits like pineapple, lemons, limes, pickles, tomatoes, and mustard.
How to stop sensitive tooth pain
Home remedies
There are several home remedies that can help if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity.
