Dentists reveal causes and solutions for tooth sensitivity

Dealing with sensitive teeth is a struggle that many people face, and Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles are helping patients not only pinpoint the causes, but also find solutions to end the pain and discomfort.

“There are actually several reasons patients can experience tooth sensitivity and tenderness, from acidic foods to the wrong kind of toothpaste,” Mandy Shearer said. “Not everyone has the same trigger.”

The following is a list from the Shearers of possible reasons for experiencing sensitivity, accompanied by things you can do now to solve the problem:

1. Brushing teeth too vigorously. Sometimes tooth sensitivity is caused by brushing with too much force or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard.

“Over time, it wears down the protective layers of the teeth and exposes microscopic hollow tubes, or canals, that lead to the dental nerves,” Robert Shearer said. “When these tubules are exposed to hot or cold or too acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can be the result.” They suggest switching toothbrushes and being gentler when brushing.

2. Eating too many acidic foods. If pathways to the nerves are already exposed, acidic foods including tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi and pickles will cause pain. If you know you are already having trouble with sensitivity, try to lower your intake of these foods, and — most importantly — see your dentist to get the problem treated.

3. Teeth-grinding. Grinding teeth can also wear down the enamel. This exposes the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes leading to the nerves, again resulting in extreme sensitivity or pain.

“Finding a mouthguard that can stop you from grinding is your best bet,” Mandy Shearer said.

4. Using whitening toothpaste. Many manufacturers add whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, which some people are unfortunately more sensitive to than others. If you think this could be the problem, try switching your toothpaste and see if you find relief.

5. Too much mouthwash. Like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol or other chemicals that make the teeth more sensitive, especially if a patient’s dentin is exposed. Neutral fluoride rinses are better, or some patients may even need to avoid rinsing altogether and increase the frequency of their flossing and brushing.

6. Gum disease. Receding gums are increasingly common with age and can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist can do a procedure to seal the teeth while also treating the gum disease.

7. Excessive plaque. The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after eating. An excessive buildup of it causes the enamel to wear away, making teeth more sensitive.

“Practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist for cleanings every six months, or more if you need it,” Robert Shearer said.

8. A cracked tooth. A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. In this instance, a dentist needs to examine it and decide the right course of treatment, which could be a cap or an extraction.

9. Decay around the edges of fillings. With age, fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges; and it is easy for bacteria to accumulate in the tiny crevices of teeth, causing acid buildup and enamel breakdown, according to the Shearers.

“See your dentist if you notice this type of tooth sensitivity between visits, and in most cases, they can easily be replaced,” Mandy Shearer said of old fillings.

Noteworthy:

“There are actually several reasons patients can experience tooth sensitivity and tenderness, from acidic foods to the wrong kind of toothpaste,” said Dr. Mandy Shearer of Soddy-Daisy Smiles. “Not everyone has the same trigger.”