Sensitive Teeth

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

If eating ice cream, drinking hot coffee, or even breathing cold air causes a sharp, sudden pain in your teeth, you're experiencing tooth sensitivity. This common condition affects millions of people and occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth wears down, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath.

Common Causes

• Worn tooth enamel from aggressive brushing
• Exposed tooth roots from receding gums
• Cavities or tooth decay
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Worn fillings or dental restorations
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Recent dental procedures (temporary sensitivity)
• Acidic foods and drinks eroding enamel

When to See a Dentist

If sensitivity is persistent, affects multiple teeth, or is getting worse over time, it's time to see a dentist. Sudden sensitivity in a single tooth could indicate a cavity or crack that needs prompt treatment.

Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth

Depending on the cause, we may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, dental bonding to cover exposed roots, a crown for a cracked tooth, or a gum graft if recession is severe. We'll identify the root cause and create a treatment plan tailored to you.

Desensitizing Tips at Home

While you await your dental appointment, there are effective ways to reduce tooth sensitivity at home. Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride — it can take two to four weeks of regular use to notice improvement, so be patient and consistent. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle pressure to avoid further enamel wear. Avoid highly acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, tomatoes, wine, and carbonated drinks, which can worsen sensitivity by eroding enamel. After consuming acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect softened enamel. If you suspect teeth grinding is contributing to your sensitivity, ask us about a custom night guard. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash daily can also help strengthen and protect exposed dentin.

When Sensitivity Signals a Bigger Problem

While occasional mild sensitivity is common, certain patterns can indicate more serious dental issues that require prompt attention. Sensitivity that is sudden, severe, or localized to a single tooth may point to a cracked tooth or deep cavity approaching the nerve. Sensitivity accompanied by visible dark spots or holes in a tooth suggests active decay. If your sensitivity comes with gum swelling, bleeding, or recession, gum disease may be the underlying cause. Lingering pain after hot or cold exposure — lasting more than 30 seconds — can indicate nerve inflammation (pulpitis) that may require root canal therapy. At Redwater Dental Clinic, we use digital X-rays and thorough examinations to distinguish between harmless sensitivity and conditions that need treatment. Do not dismiss persistent sensitivity — call us at 780-942-4691 to get an accurate diagnosis.