Why Do My Teeth Feel So Sensitive?

Virtually everyone experiences occasional teeth sensitivity. Sometimes these sensations have a clear cause, such as biting into a scoop of ice cream or sustaining a sports injury to the mouth. But very often, the cause of tooth sensitivity isn’t as obvious. 

At Beaches Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, our team delivers highly personalized care in a warm and welcoming setting. We cover the full span of dental health needs, from routine dental exams and preventive dentistry to top-quality dental restorations. We also offer outstanding cosmetic dental treatments. 

Prosthodontics and orthodontics are also areas of focus within our practice. No matter what kinds of dental needs you bring to our practice, we’re here to help you find the best possible solution. 

Today, we discuss tooth sensitivity, a common issue that brings many people in for care. 

What does teeth sensitivity feel like?

Teeth sensitivity doesn’t always create the same symptoms. However, people with teeth sensitivity often report sensations of sharp pain when their teeth get exposed to hot or cold temperatures. 

It might be a quick zing when you bite into a popsicle, or a dull ache after enjoying a cup of coffee. Many people find that foods or beverages that are overly sweet or spicy trigger teeth sensitivity. 

Your teeth might feel perfectly normal between meals and snacks. For some, however, teeth sensitivity persists even when they aren’t eating or drinking anything. 

What causes teeth sensitivity?

First, let’s examine the structure of your teeth and how unusual sensations can develop. The outermost layer of your teeth is a thin layer of hard tissue called enamel. Another layer of hard tissue called dentin lies just beneath. 

Your dentin contains numerous tiny tubules that extend deeper into your teeth, where there’s nerve tissue. When this nerve tissue gets exposed to hot or cold temperatures or other stimuli, discomfort and pain can happen. 

Anything that weakens your enamel and exposes more of your dentin can heighten the sensitivity of that tooth. Here are some common causes.

Recent dental procedures

If you’ve recently had a dental cleaning, fillings, or other treatments like crowns, veneers, or dental bonding, you might experience temporary teeth sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening is a common cause, and we warn patients to expect some heightened sensitivity for a day or so after their whitening visits. 

Poor dental hygiene

If you aren’t brushing and flossing your teeth properly, you could develop tooth decay that weakens your natural tooth enamel. On the other hand, many people develop sensitive teeth due to overly aggressive brushing habits. 

It’s critical to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and proper pressure and techniques when brushing your teeth. Brushing too vigorously can remove not only the plaque on your teeth, but also a portion of your enamel. 

Gum disease

If your gums develop a bacterial infection, they can swell and begin to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth, which creates small pockets where more bacteria can thrive, breaking down your tooth enamel and causing dental pain. 

If you notice your gums are swollen, bleeding, or more red in color than usual, call us to schedule a visit. These are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and we can often reverse it when caught in the early stages. 

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Most people with this condition grind their teeth together at night and are not aware of the habit. In fact, sensitive teeth are often what brings them in for a diagnostic assessment and the discovery of bruxism. 

If you’re grinding your teeth while asleep, there are custom dental devices called nightguards that you can wear at night to protect your teeth and prevent grinding. Using a nightguard can give your teeth a chance to rebuild the enamel needed to protect the underlying tissues. 

When is the right time to seek help for sensitive teeth?

Everyone experiences the occasional bout of teeth sensitivity. But if you notice your teeth are significantly more sensitive than they used to be, or if sensitivity persists over time, it’s important to determine the cause. 

Your body rebuilds tooth enamel gradually over time. If you lose too much enamel within a short period, the damage becomes more difficult to treat. 

Be sure to reach out to the Beaches Dentistry team to book an exam at the first sign of significant or persistent teeth sensitivity. We can get to the bottom of the condition and help you decide on the best possible treatment path. 

Scheduling a visit is as easy as making a quick phone call or spending a few moments on our online booking page, so don’t delay.