Tooth sensitivity is a common problem in the dental field. There are many things that can factor in that would cause your teeth to become sensitive. Two of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity are when your teeth come in contact with temperatures that are either really high or really low. The pain is usually sharp and sudden but it is usually only temporary. 

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Other than the sudden and sharp pain from your teeth coming into contact with something either hot or cold, there are other reasons why your teeth can become sensitive.

Every tooth is made up of dentin. Dentin is the dense bone tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth. Then there is the enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth that covers the dentin, and its purpose is to protect the dentin underneath. 

When not properly taken care of, the enamel can start to wear away. As more and more of the dentin is exposed, the tooth will start to become more and more sensitive. 

Some of the things that can increase wear on the enamel are:

Brushing your teeth too hard. You should be brushing your teeth on a regular basis, but if you brush too hard, it will slowly wear away the protective enamel on your teeth.

Acid reflux. The acid eats away at the enamel.

Some acidic foods. When the food is too acidic and you eat a large amount of it either at once or over time, it will slowly eat away at the enamel.

How to Prevent Enamel Loss and Tooth Sensitivity

Something that some people don’t realize is that once the enamel has been damaged, it can never recover. You may see commercials for special toothpaste that can repair the enamel, but that just isn’t accurate. 

The only way you can stop enamel loss or damage is to prevent it. 

Here are some ways that you can use to help prevent enamel loss and damage:

  • Avoid eating too many acidic foods and drinking too much acidic soda. If you do, then rinse your mouth out when you are done to help get rid of the excess acid left behind, then brush your teeth at least 30 minutes later to ensure that the acid has been cleaned off of your teeth.
  • Skip the hard bristled toothbrush and instead use a soft bristle toothbrush. The soft bristle will ensure that you are not brushing too hard. When brushing, make sure that you hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to keep your enamel clean and strong.
  • Try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Grinding and clenching your teeth causes the enamel to wear down, and if it does start, you need to consult your dentist to be fitted for a mouth guard. There are some people that don’t realize they grind their teeth because they only do it at night. So if you start to notice your teeth feeling duller or flatter, consult your dentist.
  • Everyone is looking for that Hollywood smile. Bleaching is very bad for the enamel. When it comes to tooth-whitening products, always consult your dentist before use. The products may remove the stains, but they also remove the enamel.

What Can You do Once the Damage is Already Done?

You have tried hard to prevent enamel damage, but there are times one or more teeth may still become sensitive. The sensitivity on the premolars or canines is usually because of gum recession. When you start to feel sensitivity, the first thing you should do is consult your dentist. They will know what is needed to help your remaining enamel become stronger. 

A treatment plan for helping to strengthen the enamel is usually as follows:

  • Using fluoride gel. The gel not only helps to strengthen the enamel, but it will also help to relieve some of the sensitivity.
  • Brushing with a special toothpaste. Look for brands that aim to help block the sensation of sensitivity.
  • Checking for major dental treatment. If the gum recession is bad enough, you may need to get a surgical gum graft done. Crowns are also used to help where tooth decay is the cause. When the situation is severe, a root canal is used to treat the tooth sensitivity.

When to Call the Dentist

At any point, if you start feeling tooth sensitivity, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. Your dentist will be able to help you keep further damage from occurring. 

The dental practice of Smiles By Design is always looking forward to helping their patients have their best smiles.

More on Smiles By Design

Dentist in Syracuse, NY

Finding the right dentist in Syracuse, NY is about more than choosing a practice close to home. It's about finding a team that takes the time to understand your needs, explains your treatment options clearly, and provides high-quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. At Smiles By Design, we're proud to provide comprehensive family dental care for children, teens, adults, and seniors, helping patients throughout Syracuse achieve healthy, confident smiles at every stage of life.

Whether you're visiting for a routine dental exam, looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, or seeking cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care using modern techniques and advanced dental technology. We believe every patient deserves individual attention, and we work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your oral health goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Comprehensive Dental Care 

As a leading dentist in Syracuse, NY, we provide a complete range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dental services under one roof. This allows our patients to receive consistent care from a team they know and trust, without the need for multiple referrals.

Whether you're scheduling routine care for your family, maintaining your own oral health, or exploring options to restore your smile, we're committed to providing personalized care that supports long-term oral health.

Wellness Dentistry

Preventive care forms the foundation of a healthy smile. Regular visits allow us to identify small concerns before they become larger problems, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums while avoiding more extensive treatment in the future. We provide preventive dental care for families, helping both children and adults maintain healthy smiles through regular examinations, hygiene appointments, and early diagnosis of dental concerns.

Our family dentistry services include:

  • Dental Exams
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Diagnosis and treatment of Cavities

Routine dental examinations allow us to monitor your oral health closely, while professional dental hygiene appointments remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. Digital dental X-rays help us identify issues beneath the surface, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.

We also perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings during routine appointments, allowing for early detection of abnormalities when treatment is often most successful. If signs of gum disease are identified, our team provides personalized gum disease treatment designed to restore healthy gums and prevent further damage.

Restorative Dentistry

Damaged, worn, or missing teeth can affect far more than your appearance. They can impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to rebuild both the function and appearance of your smile using durable, natural-looking materials.

Our restorative treatments include:

Dental implants remain one of the most predictable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. By replacing the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, implants help preserve jawbone health while restoring natural function and aesthetics.

Dental crowns strengthen weakened or damaged teeth, protecting them from further fracture while restoring their natural appearance. For patients missing one or more teeth, custom dental bridges provide an effective solution to close gaps and restore chewing function.

We also offer metal-free fillings, allowing patients to restore cavities with tooth-coloured materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. For patients requiring a full-arch restoration, TeethXpress® offers an efficient solution that combines implant technology with a fixed, functional smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Feeling confident about your smile can have a positive impact on both your personal and professional life. Our cosmetic dentistry treatments are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth while maintaining a natural, balanced result.

Whether you're looking to brighten discoloured teeth, improve symmetry, or refresh your overall smile, we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals. We take a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry, focusing on results that complement your natural facial features rather than creating an artificial appearance.

Every smile is unique, and we believe cosmetic dentistry should reflect that individuality.

Oral Surgery

Some dental conditions require surgical treatment to restore oral health or relieve discomfort. Our experienced team provides oral surgery in a caring, supportive environment, ensuring every patient feels informed and comfortable throughout treatment.

Our oral surgery services include:

Whether a tooth has become severely damaged, infected, or cannot be restored, we'll carefully assess your options before recommending extraction. If a tooth does need to be removed, we'll also discuss suitable replacement options to maintain the health and function of your smile.

Treatment for Common Dental Conditions

Maintaining healthy gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. We diagnose and treat a range of common dental conditions, including:

  • Gingivitis

As the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is often reversible when treated promptly. Our team provides thorough assessments, professional cleanings, and personalised home care guidance to help restore healthy gums and prevent progression to more advanced periodontal disease.

A Patient-Centred Approach to Dentistry

At Smiles By Design, we understand that every patient has different concerns, goals, and expectations. That's why we never believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and explain every treatment option so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Our team is committed to creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable throughout every visit. Whether you're returning for a routine cleaning or visiting us for more complex treatment, you can expect compassionate care, clear communication, and attention to detail from start to finish.

We continually invest in modern dental technology and ongoing education to ensure we're providing efficient, comfortable treatment using proven techniques and high-quality materials.

Your Dentist in Syracuse, NY

If you're searching for a dentist in Syracuse, NY, Smiles By Design is here to provide the comprehensive dental care you and your family deserve. From preventive check-ups and gum disease treatment to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, and oral surgery, we offer everything you need to maintain a healthy, confident smile in one convenient location.

Our goal is to build lasting relationships with every patient by providing exceptional dental care in a friendly, professional setting. Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete smile restoration, we're here to help you achieve long-term oral health with treatment that's tailored specifically to you.

Contact Smiles By Design today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference personalized dental care can make. If you're looking for a trusted dentist in Syracuse, NY, our team looks forward to welcoming you to our practice.