How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately

There are several reasons why you might experience tooth sensitivity. Increased sensitivity can happen at any age. Sharp tooth pain can occur after consuming cold or hot beverages, sweet snacks, or cold air. Not being able to identify the cause of your tooth sensitivity makes communicating with dental professionals more difficult. To gain a better understanding of your options to manage the pain of your tooth sensitivity, contact dental professionals if you are in or near Vaughan, to help pinpoint the cause of your tooth sensitivity. Pain relief is the first step to addressing any sensitivity you might experience in your teeth.

What Causes Sensitivity to Pain in the Teeth?

If your teeth have thin and or worn and damaged protective layers, this can make your teeth hurt upon receiving outside stimuli that depress the pain nerve in the tooth. There are some pain sensitivity factors for teeth, and the factors can even help you to know the cause of your pain sensitivity, so you can break the cycle and make the pain go away. The pain will only occur for brief moments and then go away, or the pain can even last for a number of moments and occur in waves. The only viable option to make the pain go away, is to get to the bottom of the situation.

Erosion of the Enamel

As time goes by and with the influence of things such as highly acidic sugary or sour drinks, excessive brushing of the teeth, and teeth grinding, the outer layer of the tooth protective layer will become weaker. There can even be a thinning of the outer layer to the point where the second layer of the tooth which is called the dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin contains tiny tubes that connect to the nerve of the tooth which makes it even more sensitive to temperature and pressure.

Gum Recession

Gum diseases and over-brushing can cause the gums to recede which can lead to the surfaces of the root becoming visible. Exposed roots can cause sensitivity to cold, brushing, and even light airflow. Remind yourself that roots do not have enamel. They do, however, have a thin layer of cementum that erodes easily, and when roots get exposed, they can cause a lot of sensitivity.

Tooth Decay

Cavities form when bacteria attacks the enamel and weakens it. Once decay is started, it becomes more engrained into the tooth. This will cause more sensitivity and lead to discomfort and pain. If pain begins, it is not an ideal scenario and should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the nerve.

Having a Cracked or Fractured Tooth

There are many signs to keep an eye out for to see if you have a cracked tooth. They include pain when biting, chewing, drinking, or even just unpredictable pain and sensitivity. Cracks form small openings that expose the inner parts of the tooth and the parts that are typically hidden and more sensitive.

Recent Dental Procedures

Common dental work like fillings and crowns as well as whitening treatment and deep dental cleanings can cause temporary sensitivity. If discomfort is prolonged, reaching out to your dentist is a good move.

Gum Disease

The surfaces of your gums can expose the sensitive parts of your tooth including the roots. This can be influenced by gum disease as it attacks all of the support structures of the teeth and increases the sensitivity to heat and cold.

Tooth Grinding

Enamel is the protective outer layer of our teeth. Tooth grinding can cause wear and tear on the surface and result in small cracks. Most people are not aware they are even grinding their teeth until they start to notice discomfort.

How to Address Tooth Sensitivity Quickly

Protecting that area is very important. There are quick and long-term solutions to this.

1. Avoid Anything that Triggers Pain

Initially, you can stop brushing and not eat/drink things that are cold, hot, or sweet. Chew on the other side and drink water that is not cold.

2. Rinse with Warm Salted Water

To decrease relaxed gum irritation and swelling, mix half a tsp of salt with a cup of water and then take a Salt Water Rinse for 30 seconds. Repeat this a few times each day.

3. Apply Desensitizing Toothpaste to the Sensitive Tooth

Use a clean finger or cotton swab to put desensitizing toothpaste directly to the sensitive area and do not rinse.

4. Brush Gently

Use a soft toothbrush and brush in a circular motion. If you brush too harshly, you can irritate the enamel and gums even more.

5. Minimize Pain with Fluoride

There are many more ways to incorporate Fluoride that helps ease the pain and helps rebuild weaker enamel like gums, rinse, or gel.

6. Applying a Cold Compress

For a dull or throbbing pain, a cold compress can be used on the cheek near the tooth. Cold compresses should be done in increments of ten minutes on, ten minutes off, and never place ice directly on the painful tooth.

7. Use Over-The-Counter Pain Relief

Pain and swelling can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medicines. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle or consult your physician.

What To Avoid

To end or lessen any sensitivity, do not:

• ✓ Aggressive brush.
• ✓ Use a stiff-bristled toothbrush.
• ✓ Eat or consume any acidic products, particularly citrus or vinegar-heavy ones.
• ✓ Sip on soft or sports drinks for a prolonged period of time.
• ✓ Bite on the sensitive side.
• ✓ Use whitening products until your teeth become less sensitive.
• ✓ Lastly, this calm environment your teeth need will be disturbed.

Short Term Relief Versus Long Term Solutions

Home pain relief will not resolve any underlying issues. Sensitivity can be caused by multiple issues and will most likely get worse without treatment.

Short term relief should be sought with home pain relief, but home pain relief will also need to be accompanied by a dental evaluation.

Professional Desensitizing Treatments

To reduce sensitivity and/or pain, dentists use desensitizing agents, bonding agents, or fluoride varnishes to add blocks to the tooth surfaces and/or strengthen slightly weakened surfaces.

Restorations

If enamel is worn, there is decay, or there are cracks, fillings, bonding, or crowns may be needed.

Gum Recession Treatment

If there is root exposure that is causing sensitivity, bonding or gum grafting may be recommended.

Root Canal Treatment

Pain is resolved by treating the damaged or infected nerve within the tooth, all the while maintaining the integrity of the tooth.

Custom Night Guards

If there is clenching or grinding, a custom night guard is protective by not allowing further pressure to be put on the teeth.

When Sensitive Teeth Pain Needs Immediate Attention

Seek immediate care:

• ⚠ If there is constant or throbbing pain.
• ⚠ If there is face, jaw, or gum swelling.
• ⚠ If the tooth is cracked or broken.
• ⚠ If pain is disturbing your sleep.
• ⚠ If there is bad breath or a bad taste.
• ⚠ If you are feeling feverish or feeling unwell.

These symptoms can be a sign of an infection or nerve issue.

How to Avoid Sensitive Teeth in the Future

• ✓ Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• ✓ Use a gentle pressure while brushing.
• ✓ Floss every day.
• ✓ Avoid sugary snacks, and limit acidic drinks.
• ✓ Use a straw for drinks that are acidic.
• ✓ If you are a grinder, wear a mouth guard.
• ✓ Don’t skip your dental check ups and cleanings.

These habits assist in avoiding gum irritation, and in avoiding enamel erosion.