Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

Please rotate your device to portrait mode for optimum user experience.

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
×

Sign up for special offers and updates

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
text added
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> TOOTH PAIN

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Erin Stelbrink, RDH

Whitening of teeth is known to cause tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is often a sign of one of the below oral/dental problems.

Abrasive Brushing will over time expose dentin by wearing down the tooth’s enamel as well as cause the gums to recede thus exposing more of the tooth’s dentin. Dentin is soft and easily damaged which explains the tooth’s sensitivity.

Tooth decay near the gum line will occur when there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that produces acid that slowly eats away at the tooth. If not treated, it will result in tooth sensitivity and eventually a cavity.

Recession of the gums results in the exposure of the tooth’s roots which is commonly caused by abrasive brushing and periodontal disease.

Gingivitis (Gum disease) which is the inflammation of gum tissue resulting in sensitivity caused by the loss of supporting ligaments, thus exposing the root surface which leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.

Chipped or broken teeth fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp of the tooth thus causing inflammation due to the damaged tooth enamel.

Grinding or clenching of teeth will also wear down the enamel exposing the dentine also allowing inflammation and decay just as a chipped or broken tooth does.

Long-term uses of mouthwashes that contain acid are known to worsen tooth sensitivity when dentin is exposed. Dentin is only exposed when the tooth’s enamel is damaged. Dentine is present to protect the tooth from extreme temperatures, substances, and trauma. The acids found in some mouthwashes will further damage the dentin layer of the tooth.

Acidic foods consumed on a regular basis such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.

If you suspect you suffer from any of the above you may experience tooth sensitivity during teeth whitening. It is recommended you consult with your dentist before using at home teeth whitening products.

Erin Stelbrink

Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 5+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at erin@smilebrilliant.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Why you need a sports mouthguard

By: Esmy Ornelas

Why does sugar cause cavities? The science of sugar, acidity, and decay

By: Rachel Stroble

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

How to brush your teeth to avoid damage

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Combat sudden tooth pain: uncover causes & solutions

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN
Shipping icon: a box with a checkmark
FREE SHIPPING OVER $35
Hassle-free returns icon: a package with a return arrow
HASSLE-FREE RETURNS
Secure checkout icon: a shield with a checkmark
100% SECURE CHECKOUT

SUBSCRIBE! Discounts. Recommendations. New products.

smilebrilliant logo

Smile Brilliant makes it easy to improve your oral health & beauty through a suite of professional teeth whitening & oral care products shipped directly to your door.

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • ProShield Custom Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!  Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • ABOUT US
    • GUARANTEE
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
Menu
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING