Seven Ways to Treat Tooth Sensitivity and Relieve Discomfort

Dr. Nabil Mockbil

Dec 20, 2024

If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain in your teeth right after having a very hot or icy beverage or food, this can be due to having sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem affecting one in every two adults around the world. When this dental condition is caught early, tooth sensitivity treatments can be as simple as a few at-home remedies rather than invasive medical interventions.

But before we jump into sensitive tooth remedies, let’s have a look at what exactly this sensitivity is, its common causes, and the best practices to prevent it. This comprehensive dental blog will explain how you could deal with teeth sensitivity, which can considerably impact daily life.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity

To understand tooth sensitivity, we must first acknowledge what a tooth enamel is. The enamel layer is the hard, white outer layer of teeth, which you can visibly see when looking at them. It is also the hardest substance in the human body, providing excellent protection for the sensitive parts within the tooth’s structure, such as the dentin and pulp.

Why Do I Feel This Instant Sharp Pain?

When the protective enamel layer is damaged, external factors start to affect the layer underneath (dentin). When stimuli like temperature and acids reach this sensitive part of your teeth, it causes the instant, sharp pain that we describe as sensitivity.

The sharpness of the pain you feel mainly depends on the type of stimuli and the condition of your tooth enamel. A cracked tooth usually inflicts more pain than a tooth with thinning enamel. While the pain level can help indicate how severe your condition is, a visit to the dentist remains prominent when it becomes recurring. A dentist is the only one authorized to determine the current status of your teeth, the reason behind your sensitivity, and how to address it properly.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

1- Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion is the loss of tooth enamel, mainly caused by acid exposure. Acids in food, acid reflux, and bulimia are all considered among the damaging factors to the enamel. Acidic drinks such as fresh fruit juices and sodas also damage the enamel, leaving your teeth at risk.

2- Gum Recession

Gum recession is the process by which the gum tissue starts to pull back and wear away, uncovering the roots of the teeth and leaving them exposed to external factors. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a primary cause of gum recession. Vigorous or incorrect brushing techniques can also contribute to such recession and wear away enamel.

3- Cavities & Cracks

Cavities (tooth decay) and cracks compromise the integrity of the tooth’s structure, often penetrating through the enamel layer and exposing the underlying dentin or even the pulp. This exposure makes the tooth significantly more vulnerable to acids from foods or drinks.

Cavities are caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup, providing the perfect ground for harmful bacteria to thrive. This bacteria produces acids as a byproduct, leading to erosion in the enamel and causing cavities.

Cracks, on the other hand, can be caused by trauma, biting on hard objects, or teeth grinding (bruxism). Both conditions show the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking dental care ASAP to prevent any further damage.

Common Signs of Tooth Sensitivity

Although some mild sensitivity to cold can be common, being sensitive to heat often signals an underlying dental issue. Sensitivity to sugary foods and drinks, especially when experienced immediately after consumption, is also another red flag indicating a serious issue. Such frequent and heightened sensitivity to sweets usually points to an active cavity in your teeth.

If you experience any of these new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental appointment. A thorough examination is the best method to rule out any serious oral problems.

Seven Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Options

At-Home Tooth Sensitivity Remedies

When the pain is mild, and you don’t seem to have any active dental issues, you can try the following sensitive tooth remedies. The following at-home practices can be applied to relieve the discomfort.

1- Using Desensitizing Toothpaste

This type of toothpaste is specially formulated to help block the transmission of pain signals from the surface of the tooth to the nerve. Regular use can gradually reduce sensitivity and provide long-lasting relief.

2- Performing a Salt Water Rinse

Water and salt is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gums. Rinsing your teeth with warm salt water twice a day can soothe sensitive teeth and maintain great oral hygiene.

3- Honey and Warm Water

With its natural antibacterial properties, honey can provide much aid in reducing inflammation and soothing teeth sensitivity. Mix honey with warm water and use it as a rinse to help alleviate discomfort and promote better gum health.

Professional Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Options

According to your dentist’s findings, they may resort to one of the following options: After a thorough dental check-up is done, they’ll decide on which is the best method to address the issue according to the individual case.

4- Dental Bonding or Sealants

Bonding is applying a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped or cracked teeth. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the surface of the tooth when the dentin is exposed to prevent decay and relieve sensitivity. Both of these tooth sensitivity treatments focus on covering the exposed dentin or tooth roots, alleviating any discomfort and promoting optimal health.

5- Fluoride Gel or Varnish

Using fluoride gel or varnish is a common method for managing many cases of tooth sensitivity. This treatment involves applying a concentrated solution directly to the affected teeth, helping strengthen the enamel, reducing sensitivity, and protecting the teeth from further damage.

6- Gum Graft

A gum graft is an advanced surgical procedure that involves rebuilding parts of lost or thinning gumline. During the observation, the specialist decides whether the gum recession case you have is severe or progressive, requiring this type of sensitivity treatment. Such a process regains your gum tissue, relieving your sensitivity and promoting better overall health.

7- Root Canal Treatment

If the dentist finds that your sensitivity is caused by an infection or damage to your tooth’s pulp, they may recommend a root canal. This type of tooth sensitivity treatment may become necessary to remove the damaged tissue in order to relieve you from the sensitivity.

Additional Practices to Keep Sensitivity at Bay

1- Maintain Optimal Care

Brushing twice a day and flossing after every meal are essential to good oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in a circular motion, avoiding excessive pressure. This oral care routine protects your enamel and helps reduce sensitivity.

2- Adjust Your Diet

A well-balanced diet is another key step in managing sensitive teeth. Patients with sensitive teeth must limit acidic foods, cold beverages, sugary snacks, and acidic fruits as much as possible. This can bring significant relief to the patients, allowing them to enjoy their meals painlessly.

Tobacco products can also contribute to the issue, so it’s advised to stay away from smoking. Cigarettes decrease saliva production levels, provoking gum disease and allowing bacteria to thrive.

3- Don’t Miss Dental Check-ups

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months are essential for early detection and prevention of various dental issues. During these dental visits, your dentist can identify potential problems and implement appropriate treatment before they escalate.

Seeking Professional Dental Care

In severe cases, at-home tooth sensitivity treatments might just not work. This is when it’s time to resort to professional treatment methods, which are only possible at a specialized dental care clinic.

Which Cases Require Such Immediate Oral Care?

1- Prolonged Discomfort

If pain or discomfort lasts more than a few seconds after hot or cold, visit your dentist. Experiencing long-lasting discomfort usually means you have an underlying dental condition like tooth decay, cracked tooth, or exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel).

2- Increased Sensitivity

If you feel that your teeth are becoming more sensitive, visit a dental clinic. This change usually means something has happened in your mouth recently, affecting your teeth and causing additional pain.

3- Noticeable Damage

Any visible damage to your teeth, including cracks, decay, or gum infections, needs to be inspected by a dentist. This rule applies whether you are experiencing any sensitivity or not, as an expert opinion can prevent complications you are better off without.

Frequent Asked Questions

Can sensitive teeth be treated?

Yes! In fact, tooth sensitivity treatments are many, and each case has its own treatment method. At-home remedies, such as using desensitizing toothpaste, can address mild sensitivity cases that don’t require medical intervention. Professional treatments like fluoride applications and dental bonding address underlying causes, managing sensitivity effectively.

Why is my tooth sensitive to hot but not cold temperatures?

Tooth sensitivity to heat but not cold could indicate an issue such as nerve inflammation, a deep cavity, or an infection in the tooth. When heat causes discomfort, it may be a sign that the tooth's pulp is irritated or damaged, requiring prompt attention from a dentist to prevent further complications.

Why is my tooth sensitive after filling?

It’s common to experience temporary sensitivity after performing a dental filling. The sensitivity is usually caused by irritation to the tooth's nerve or the composite material adjusting to your bite. This discomfort typically resolves within a few days, but if it persists, consult with your dentist to ensure the filling is placed properly.