“I can’t eat that, it’ll hurt my teeth…”

When you bite into something cold or sweet, does it send a shock wave through your entire body?

Chances are, if you answered, “yes”, you have sensitive teeth. The answer isn’t to avoid the foods you love, there are too many, and life is too short. But what are you to do when the mere thought of biting into an ice cream bar has you stressing in anticipation of the pain?

Well, let’s just look at sensitive teeth causes and how you might deal with them.

Sensitive Teeth Causes

Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the teeth come in contact with extreme hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods or beverages or cold air. The painful sensation that follows is usually quick and temporary. If you don’t know what causes sensitive teeth, it can be difficult to correct the issue, so here are a few things that might be at the “root” of the problem.

The center layer of the tooth, or dentin, is exposed as tooth enamel erodes. This may be due to the natural aging process or because of foods that are high in sugar and/or acid—both of which take a toll on tooth enamel. As the protective layers grow thinner, the nerves in the dentin layer react to stimulants like heat or cold.

Occasionally, a cracked or broken tooth allows bacteria to enter the tooth causing an infection. When that happens, the tooth becomes sore and sensitive. Gum disease or gingivitis may also cause sensitivity in the teeth. The infection erodes the ligaments supporting the teeth leaving the roots and nerves exposed.

Oddly, brushing too frequently with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode tooth enamel and leave nerves exposed; and the overuse of teeth whitening products can put your teeth at risk. Whitening products whether applied at home or in the dentist’s office are harsh and can make teeth very sensitive. You can learn more by searching whitening strips for sensitive teeth.

People 25 to 30 are more susceptible to sensitive teeth; and women are more likely to develop sensitive teeth than men. It isn’t unusual to experience sensitivity after a visit to the dentist—fillings, cleanings, crowns, and other procedures may leave teeth temporarily sensitive. This usually wears off quickly without any treatment.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

When teeth are sensitive and don’t respond to over-the-counter sensitive teeth treatments like special toothpastes or mouth washes, it is important to see your dentist. While sensitive teeth are usually a temporary irritation, they can signal a more serious problem. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, a fluoride gel, or rinse that you apply directly to sensitive teeth. These products usually resolve the problem in 2–3 weeks.

Sensitive Teeth Home Remedy

If you want a sensitive teeth home remedy, there are several options. Be sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles, they will get between teeth better, and are kinder to tooth enamel. Brush longer, not harder! Brushing 2-3 minutes is much better for your teeth than a 1-minute scrub. In order to cover more area, vary the direction as you brush. Limit acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, etc. Eliminate tobacco—it’s good for your teeth and your overall health. And last, but not least, brush twice a day with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.