Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatments
(Because ice cream shouldn’t feel like a personal attack)
Ever taken a sip of cold water and felt a sudden zing shoot through your teeth? Or maybe that spoonful of hot soup made your molars wince?
If so, you're not alone — tooth sensitivity is a common issue, and thankfully, it's also treatable.
Let’s dive into what causes sensitive teeth and what you can do about it (besides sadly avoiding your favorite foods, of course).
What Does Tooth Sensitivity Feel Like?
Tooth sensitivity is usually a sharp, sudden pain in response to:
Cold drinks or foods (ice cream lovers, we see you)
Hot foods or beverages
Sweet or acidic foods
Brushing or flossing
Even breathing in cold air
It may affect just one tooth or several, and it might come and go — which can make it feel like a mystery. But there are a few usual suspects.
Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
1. Worn Tooth Enamel
Your enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. When it wears down, the sensitive inner layer (dentin) is exposed.
Causes of enamel wear:
Brushing too hard
Acidic foods and drinks
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Natural aging
2. Gum Recession
Your gums should fit snugly around your teeth. When they pull back (often from brushing too aggressively or gum disease), they expose the tooth roots — which are much more sensitive.
3. Tooth Decay or Cracks
Cavities and cracked teeth can expose nerves and cause localized sensitivity or pain.
4. Recent Dental Work
Just had a filling, crown, or whitening treatment? It’s normal to have temporary sensitivity. But if it lasts, let us know!
5. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
This puts pressure on your teeth and can wear down enamel over time — sometimes without you even realizing it's happening.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
The good news? Most causes of sensitivity can be managed or fixed! Here's how:
Use a Sensitivity Toothpaste
These contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that block pain signals. Give it a few weeks and you should feel the difference.
Be Gentle When You Brush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle touch — think of it more like massaging your teeth than scrubbing grout.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Things like soda, citrus, wine, and even tomatoes can erode enamel. If you do enjoy them, rinse with water afterward and avoid brushing for 30 minutes.
Treat Clenching or Grinding
A custom nightguard can help protect your teeth from nighttime grinding.
Talk to Your Dentist
In-office treatments like fluoride varnishes, bonding, or even gum grafts (for severe recession) can make a huge difference.
You Don’t Have to Live With the Zing
Sensitive teeth are common — but they’re not something you just have to "deal with." There are real solutions that can make eating, drinking, and smiling comfortable again.
Tired of dodging cold drinks or brushing with fear?
📞 Call us or book an appointment online.
Let’s figure out what’s behind your sensitivity and help you get back to enjoying life — one sip of ice water at a time.