Sensitive Teeth?
September 29, 2025
We Can Help!
Ever feel a sudden jolt when you enjoy something hot, cold, or sweet? That’s tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin is filled with tiny pathways that send pain signals straight to the nerve. The result is that sharp twinge you feel with hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Common Causes for Sensitive Teeth:
- Tooth decay creating painful weak spots
- Teeth grinding or clenching at night
- Gum disease causing gum recession
- Acidic foods or chronic acid reflux
- Hard brushing or abrasive whitening toothpaste
- Fractured teeth or worn-down dental fillings
Treatment Options:
- Desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel – often the first step to ease discomfort
- Nightguards – protect teeth from grinding
- Dental restorations – fillings, crowns, or inlays repair worn enamel
- Gum grafts or root canals – sometimes needed for advanced cases
Products We Recommend for At-Home Relief:
Sensodyne Pronamel Active Shield – This toothpaste with Potassium Nitrate allows fluoride to bind to and act on enamel to remineralize the surface of teeth and improve resistance against future acid attacks. We recommend rubbing it into sensitive spots, spitting excess, and no rinsing.
Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum – Contains stannous fluoride for long-term protection. This powerful ingredient helps protect against cavities and helps combat tooth sensitivity by forming a protective layer over your exposed dentin (the sensitive portion of your tooth). This protective barrier acts as a shield, strengthening your teeth against erosive acids while remineralizing your tooth enamel in the early stages of decay. In addition, stannous fluoride contains antibacterial properties to help prevent harmful plaque bacteria from growing in your mouth. We recommend brushing twice daily, no rinsing.
Tom's of Maine Rapid Relief – Contains Arginine bicarbonate, a salt of naturally derived arginine (a naturally occurring amino acid in plants). For rapid relief, apply the product directly to the sensitive tooth with a fingertip and gently massage for 60 seconds. This sensitivity toothpaste offers long-lasting sensitivity relief for sensitive teeth if used regularly.
While these products can help, it’s important to address the root cause of sensitivity. Clenching, acidic foods, or harsh brushing may be contributing, and we can help identify the source.