If you wince when sipping a cold drink or feel a sharp twinge when brushing, you’re not alone. Sensitive teeth are one of the most common dental concerns and thankfully one of the most treatable. At Enamel Dental, we help patients in Penticton find relief from tooth sensitivity, whether it’s caused by daily habits, dental work, or hidden oral issues. Let’s explore what causes sensitivity of teeth, how to soothe sore teeth, and which toothpaste for sensitive teeth actually works. If your pain is persistent or severe, contact our clinic to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity happens when the protective layers of your teeth-enamel or gum- wear down, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin contains tiny tubules that lead straight to your nerves, so when it’s exposed, even mild triggers can cause discomfort or pain.
Here are the most common causes behind sensitivity of teeth:
- Enamel erosion: Acidic foods, sugary drinks, and aggressive brushing can gradually wear away enamel.
- Gum recession: When gums pull back, tooth roots become exposed, leading to sensitive teeth.
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism): This habit can thin enamel and create micro-cracks that make teeth hurt.
- Tooth decay or cavities: Damaged areas of a tooth can leave nerves unprotected.
- Dental procedures: Whitening treatments or cleanings can temporarily make teeth sore.
If you often ask yourself, “Why do my teeth hurt?”, these are usually the culprits. The good news is that most cases of tooth sensitivity can be prevented or managed with the right care.
Why Teeth Become Sensitive to Cold or Heat
If your sensitive teeth to cold make you dread ice cream or chilled water, temperature changes might be triggering exposed dentin or irritated nerves.
Sensitivity of teeth to cold usually points to:
- Thinning enamel, common with aging or over-brushing.
- Gum disease, where inflamed gums reveal sensitive root surfaces.
- Cracked or chipped teeth that allow hot or cold sensations to reach the inner pulp.
- On the flip side, sensitive teeth can also react to heat. A tooth sensitive to cold that suddenly also hurts with warmth could indicate deeper issues like infection or nerve inflammation which is a sign to see your dentist right away.
If teeth hurt only when you eat or drink something cold, try switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using lukewarm water when brushing until your sensitivity improves.
Sensitive Teeth After a Filling: What’s Normal?
It’s not uncommon to have a sensitive tooth after filling. The dental procedure itself can irritate nerves within the tooth or create mild tooth sensitivity to pressure, air, or temperature that fades within a few days or weeks.
- Slight discomfort when biting down on the restored tooth.
However, you should call your dentist if:
- The tooth hurts sharply when biting even after two weeks.
- The sensitivity of teeth worsens over time instead of improving.
- Your bite feels uneven, which might mean your filling needs adjustment.
Your dentist can check for a high filling, micro-leakage, or deeper nerve irritation which are all treatable causes.
Home Remedies and Treatments for Sensitive Teeth
When teeth are sore, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Several simple remedies and professional treatments can help relieve the sensitivity of teeth and strengthen enamel.
At-Home Remedies
Try these first-line strategies for gentle relief:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste (more on that below).
- Switch to a soft toothbrush to reduce abrasion.
- Brush gently twice a day and floss daily to prevent gum recession.
- Avoid acidic foods like citrus, soda, and vinegar-based dressings.
- Use fluoride mouthwash to reinforce weakened enamel.
In-Office Treatments
For more persistent tooth sensitivity, professional options include:
- Fluoride varnish or gel treatments to strengthen enamel.
- Bonding or sealants to cover exposed dentin.
- Gum grafts for recession-related sensitive teeth.
- Root canal therapy if the nerve is severely affected.
If you’re searching for a sensitive tooth cure, the best first step is a personalized exam. The team at Enamel Dental in Penticton can identify the exact cause of your sensitive teeth and build a treatment plan tailored to your smile.
Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: What to Look For
The easiest way to manage sensitive teeth daily is with the right toothpaste. But not all “sensitive” formulas are created equal. Here’s what actually matters.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Potassium nitrate: Calms the nerves inside teeth, reducing that sharp “zing” feeling.
- Stannous fluoride: Strengthens enamel and creates a protective barrier.
- Arginine and calcium carbonate: Help block pain signals and rebuild surface minerals.
How to Use It Effectively
- Brush gently for two minutes, twice a day.
- Spit, don’t rinse, after brushing to leave the protective ingredients on your teeth.
- Stick with it for at least two weeks to feel results.
- Popular dentist-recommended brands include Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, and Crest Gum & Enamel Repair. If your teeth hurt despite using these, book a dental visit to rule out deeper causes.
When to See a Dentist
While mild sensitivity of teeth is common, ongoing or worsening pain is not. You should schedule an appointment if:
- The tooth hurts for more than a few days.
- The sensitivity of teeth to cold spreads to heat or chewing.
- Teeth are sore even without eating or brushing.
Early treatment can prevent small issues from turning into bigger ones, like cavities or gum infections.
Final Thoughts
Sensitive teeth don’t have to control your diet or your comfort. From understanding what causes tooth sensitivity to finding the best toothpaste for tooth sensitivity, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your smile.
If your teeth hurt or feel unusually sensitive, visit Enamel Dental in Penticton. Our compassionate team can help you uncover the cause, treat it effectively, and restore the confidence that comes with a pain-free smile.