Tooth sensitivity is a condition that results in discomfort when your teeth are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Whether your sensitivity is triggered by steaming soup or freezing air, it has an underlying cause, and you should discuss it with your dentist at your next teeth cleaning, if not sooner. Below is a guide to what causes sensitivity and how to ease your symptoms until your appointment.

When Does Sensitivity Occur?

Your teeth are covered by a tough outer layer called enamel, which is responsible for protecting the soft tissues of your teeth — dentin, pulp, and roots — from bacteria and irritants. When you experience sensitivity, it’s because something has damaged or worn away the enamel, allowing external irritants to reach the soft tissues. These tissues are porous, so the cold or hot temperatures can penetrate through them to the roots and nerves, triggering pain in the affected tooth.

What Contributes to Sensitivity?

Enamel can wear away naturally throughout your life, but it can also be damaged or stripped away entirely by external factors. Consuming acidic foods and drinks — such as tea, tomatoes, sour candy, and citric fruits —  soften your enamel, making it easier to scrape off or disintegrate. Biting hard objects, like silverware or hard candy, can also cause the enamel to crack or chip. Beyond this, your teeth expand and contract with changes in temperature, causing micro-fissures in the enamel over time. Some dental treatments may cause sensitivity for a short period afterward, too, such as a deep teeth cleaning or professional teeth whitening.

How Do You Stop It?

If your pain isn’t caused by a teeth whitening treatment or other procedure, your dentist will determine how damaged your enamel is and recommend appropriate care, such as desensitizing toothpaste, fillings, or a crown. To minimize your symptoms until your appointment, avoid acidic foods and drinks, and don’t bite hard candy or objects. When you do consume acidic items, wait at least 30 minutes before cleaning your teeth to avoid brushing enamel away. You can chew sugar-free gum while you wait to wash away excess acids and bacteria. If your pain becomes severe and persistent, see a skilled or emergency dentist, as you may have developed an infection or cavity due to the weakened enamel.

At Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, you’ll receive compassionate and comprehensive dental care, whether you need a routine teeth cleaning or treatment for sensitivity. Specializing in sedation and cosmetic dentistry, their advanced services include IV or oral sedation, same-day crowns, wisdom tooth removal, and effective teeth whitening treatment options. They have an experienced emergency dentist on staff who can take walk-in appointments, and their entire team is committed to building lasting relationships with each patient. Learn more about their services online, and call (907) 562-2820 to schedule a teeth cleaning today.