Sensitive Teeth Causes: From Innocent Habits to Serious Red Flags

Do you experience sharp pain when you bite into ice cream or sip your morning coffee? You’re definitely not alone. Tooth sensitivity affects millions of people across the UK, turning simple pleasures into uncomfortable experiences. Whether it’s a quick, sharp twinge or a lingering ache, this dental problem can significantly impact your daily life.

Understanding why your teeth are sensitive is the first step towards finding relief. In this guide, we’ll explore dental sensitivity causes, from seemingly innocent daily habits to more serious underlying dental issues that need professional attention. We’ll also discuss how orthodontics intersects with sensitivity and outline the best treatment options for sensitive teeth.

Understanding Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity, formally known as dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the inner layers of your teeth become exposed to external stimuli. Think of your tooth structure like a layered cake, with each layer having an important protective function.

Enamel: The hard, shiny outer protective layer of your teeth is the strongest substance in the human body.

Dentin: Located underneath the enamel, this softer layer contains thousands of tiny tubes called dentinal tubules. These microscopic pathways lead straight to the sensitive nerves in your tooth’s centre. The dentine plays a crucial role in sensitivity because once exposed, it allows stimuli to reach the nerve endings. 

Pulp: The innermost part housing the nerves and blood vessels that send sharp pain signals to your brain.

Tooth root: Normally covered by gum tissue, this part lacks the same enamel protection as the crown.

When your protective enamel wears down or gums recede, those tiny dentinal tubules become exposed. When external stimuli like hot or cold, sweet or acidic substances touch these exposed tubules, they stimulate the sensitive nerves in the pulp. The result? That sharp pain signal that makes you immediately regret that ice-cold drink.

Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Many different factors can cause tooth sensitivity – some you might never have considered.

Oral Habits and Hygiene Issues

1. Brushing Too Hard

Aggressive brushing with hard-bristled toothbrushes wears away enamel and causes gum recession, exposing sensitive dentin underneath.

2. Abrasive Products

Some toothpastes and teeth whitening products contain chemicals that damage the tooth surface and contribute to sensitivity.

3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep, gradually wears down enamel and exposes the dentin layer.

4. Using Teeth as Tools

Opening packages, biting nails, or crunching ice damages enamel and creates pathways for sensitivity triggers. These behaviours can also lead to dental emergencies. 

5. Swishing Beverages

Swirling drinks like fizzy drinks, juice, or wine around your mouth creates extended contact that can erode enamel.

Dietary Factors

Acidic foods and beverages cause significant enamel erosion. Citrus fruits, sodas, energy drinks and even tomato ketchup can wear away your tooth’s protective coating. Tooth enamel begins dissolving at pH 5.3, which many common drinks easily exceed.

Underlying Dental Conditions

Gum Recession

When gums pull back from teeth, they expose the tooth root, which lacks protective enamel and is highly sensitive to temperature changes.

Gum Disease

Inflammation from plaque buildup causes gums to pull away from teeth, exposing sensitive root surfaces.

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Even tiny cracks can expose sensitive inner layers, allowing triggers to reach the nerve directly.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Cavities create direct pathways for hot, cold and sweet stimuli to reach sensitive inner parts of your tooth.

Worn or Damaged Fillings

Over time, fillings can wear down or develop gaps, leading to sensitivity in specific areas.

Other Contributing Factors

Age: Enamel naturally thins over time, making sensitivity more common in older adults and teens who grind their teeth.

Chronic mouth breathing: This affects saliva pH levels, making it more acidic and potentially contributing to enamel erosion.

Jaw tension and TMD (temporomandibular disorder): Habitually clenching teeth can lead to persistent tooth pain and sensitivity.

Medical conditions: GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and eating disorders expose teeth to stomach acid, eroding enamel over time.

Sensitive Teeth and Orthodontic Treatment

The intersection between orthodontic treatment and dental sensitivity is important, particularly as more adults seek teeth straightening options.

Temporary Sensitivity During Treatment

It’s normal to experience temporary tooth sensitivity when braces are fitted, tightened or when starting new aligners. This occurs due to gentle pressure applied to move teeth, which can irritate surrounding nerves. You’ll typically notice this most after orthodontic adjustments.

During treatment, teeth become more vulnerable due to cleaning challenges with brackets, consuming acidic foods and sometimes brushing too aggressively around braces.

Your orthodontist will recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods and using desensitising toothpaste.

Long-Term Benefits

While orthodontic treatment might temporarily increase sensitivity, it actually helps reduce long-term sensitivity by:

• Improving bite distribution: Properly aligned teeth distribute forces evenly, preventing excessive pressure that causes enamel wear.
• Enabling better cleaning: Straight teeth are easier to clean effectively, reducing cavity and gum disease risk.
• Reducing trauma risk: Well-aligned teeth are less likely to experience damage that exposes sensitive layers.
• Offering the right protective tools: If you play contact sports while wearing braces, a mouthguard offers protection. Similarly, sensitivity from teeth grinding can be lessened by wearing a bite splint. 

When to Seek Professional Help for Sensitivity

While occasional sensitivity is common, certain symptoms should prompt a dental visit. Don’t ignore persistent pain, as it can indicate serious underlying problems. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity that persists or worsens, it is important to consult a dental professional.

Red Flags Requiring Attention

• Persistent sensitivity: Constant pain lasting longer than a few seconds after triggers are removed.
• Radiating pain: Sharp pain spreading to your ear, jaw, or eye area.
• Additional symptoms: Sensitivity combined with bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath.
• Severe pain: Throbbing, intense pain rather than quick twinges.
• Signs of infection: Swelling, fever, or visible pus.
• Visible damage: Any hole, crack, or chip in your tooth.
• Post-treatment issues: Prolonged sensitivity after dental procedures.

A dental professional can accurately identify specific causes and recommend appropriate treatments. Based on your symptoms, your dentist may recommend treatments such as fluoride applications, bonding, or night guards to manage sensitivity. Remember, early intervention prevents underlying issues from worsening.

At-Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

While professional help is essential for persistent issues, several at-home measures can provide significant relief.

Effective Home Treatments

Desensitising toothpaste: Use toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. These compounds block tiny tubules in dentin, preventing triggers from reaching nerves. Use consistently twice daily for several weeks, or apply directly to sensitive areas before bed.

Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. If cold water triggers sensitivity, try brushing with lukewarm water.

Fluoride mouthwash: Daily rinsing helps strengthen tooth enamel and provides additional protection.

Dietary adjustments: Limit acidic foods and drinks, and rinse with water afterwards to neutralise acid. Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic items. Wait 30-60 minutes as acid temporarily softens enamel.

Night guard: If you suspect teeth grinding, ask your dentist about a custom night guard to protect teeth during sleep.

Important Note

While these remedies can provide significant comfort, they don’t always address underlying causes. Always consult your dentist or orthodontist to ensure you’re taking the right approach and no serious problems are being overlooked.

Professional Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

When at-home remedies aren’t sufficient, your dentist has several effective treatments targeting both symptoms and underlying causes.

Advanced Treatment Options

High-concentration fluoride: Professional-strength fluoride gels and varnishes are more potent than over-the-counter options, helping strengthen enamel more effectively.

Dental bonding and sealants: For exposed roots or damaged enamel, dentists can apply tooth-coloured bonding agents or sealants, creating a protective barrier over sensitive dentin.

Gum grafting: For severe gum recession, a surgical gum graft may be recommended. This involves transplanting healthy gum tissue to cover exposed, sensitive root surfaces.

Root canal treatment: For severe, persistent sensitivity caused by deep infection, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove damaged pulp and eliminate pain.

Professional desensitising agents: Dentists have access to powerful treatments that can be applied directly to teeth for more immediate relief.

Deep cleaning: If gum disease or plaque buildup causes sensitivity, professional cleaning by a dental hygienist helps remove tartar and promote healthier gums.

Working with your dentist helps identify which treatment approach will be most effective for your specific situation.

Prevention is Key

The most effective approach to managing sensitive teeth is preventing the problem from developing in the first place. Good oral health practices are essential to protect your teeth from sensitivity and maintain overall comfort.

Essential Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain excellent dental care and oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and cavities. 
2. Brush gently: Protect your enamel and gums by brushing your teeth using gentle, circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. 
3. Mindful eating: Be conscious of acidic food and drink consumption. Rinse with water afterwards to neutralise acids.
4. Address teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, discuss a protective night guard with your dentist.
5. Regular professional care: Schedule routine check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist or orthodontist can identify early signs of problems and provide preventive treatments when needed.

Your Path to Relief: How We Can Help

Sensitive teeth are common, with causes ranging from everyday habits to complex dental problems. Understanding why your teeth are sensitive is the first step towards lasting relief.

Prevention is your best defence. Good oral hygiene, mindful eating and managing habits like teeth grinding make a significant difference in achieving relief from tooth sensitivity.

Ready to address your sensitivity concerns? Contact Hampstead Orthodontic Practice today to discuss your symptoms and explore effective treatments tailored to your needs. We’re happy to help you achieve lasting comfort and optimal dental health.