02 Jan What Does It Mean If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, you might need more than just a formulated toothpaste. Tooth sensitivity can often be an early warning sign of dental problems that are totally treatable. You don’t have to put up with the pain! Here are three things that might be causing your tooth sensitivity, and the treatments that will make it disappear.
1: Enamel Erosion
Your tooth enamel may be strong, but it can still get worn down. For example, here are a few of the things that can cause damage:
- Teeth grinding
- Brushing too hard
- Abrasive toothpastes
- Over-the-counter whitening products
- Nail biting
- Toothpicks
- Acidic drinks like coffee and soda
In most cases, sensitivity from thinning enamel can be treated with a “sensitive formula” toothpaste. However, to prevent further damage, your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments to rebuild the tooth enamel, sealants to protect the molars from bruxism, or veneers for the front teeth if your sensitivity is extreme.
2: Receding Gums
The surface of the tooth below the gums does not have the strong, protective coating of enamel that the crown of the tooth has. Gum recession exposes the sensitive tooth root to sudden temperature changes that can be painful.
If your teeth feel sensitive along the gum line, make an appointment with your dentist. When the gums start receding, they leave the roots of the teeth exposed to bacteria and infections. Gum disease only gets worse without treatment, so don’t delay.
Tooth sensitivity will turn into tooth pain as decay sets in, and if the root canal gets infected, the tooth could die. So if you’ve noticed that your gums are receding, see your dentist before it’s too late! They can provide treatment for gum disease and protect your teeth with fillings.
3: Cavities
Tooth decay is another big reason for sensitivity. Cavities are literally holes in your teeth, and when those holes reach all the way into the sensitive pulp underneath the enamel, drinking cold water or hot coffee can really hurt.
If you have sudden, piercing tooth pain that’s only in one tooth, it’s probably from a cavity. Don’t ignore it or write it off as general sensitivity. Make a dentist appointment so you can get a filling before the cavity gets any bigger and the pain gets any worse.
Holistic Dental Treatments in Prescott
Looking for fluoride alternatives or non-invasive treatments for gum disease? At Prescott Dentistry, your long-term dental health is our first priority. We’re not your typical drill-and-fill dentist. In fact, we always try to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. Our custom treatments and bio-mimetic materials will keep your teeth strong and your smile shining.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 10/17/25.