Tag Archives: my teeth are sensitive

Why Are My Teeth Suddenly Sensitive? Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity and When to See Your Dentist

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on July 8, 2026

Have you ever taken a sip of ice water or enjoyed a scoop of ice cream only to feel a sudden, sharp pain in one or more teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common reasons patients visit the dentist, and while it can be frustrating, it’s often treatable once the underlying cause is identified.

At GPS Dental in San Antonio, Dr. Skrobanek helps patients determine what’s causing their tooth sensitivity and recommends treatment based on their individual needs. While some cases are minor, others may signal a more significant dental concern that shouldn’t be ignored.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, becomes worn or when gum tissue recedes, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin contains tiny channels that connect to the nerve inside your tooth. When exposed to hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or even cold air, these channels can trigger discomfort or pain.

The good news is that tooth sensitivity isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a symptom. Finding the cause is the first step toward relief.

Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Worn Enamel

Over time, enamel naturally wears down. Brushing too aggressively, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or consuming acidic foods and beverages can accelerate enamel erosion.

Gum Recession

Healthy gums protect the roots of your teeth. As gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed. Since roots don’t have enamel, they’re much more sensitive to temperature changes.

Tooth Decay

A cavity can create an opening that allows heat, cold, or sweets to reach the inner layers of the tooth.

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Even a small crack can expose sensitive areas of the tooth and allow bacteria to enter, potentially leading to discomfort.

Teeth Grinding

Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it—often while sleeping. Over time, this habit can wear away enamel and contribute to sensitivity.

Recent Dental Treatment

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after procedures such as fillings, crowns, or professional cleanings. This usually resolves on its own within a short period.

Foods That Can Trigger Sensitivity

If your teeth are sensitive, you may notice discomfort when consuming:

  • Ice cream
  • Cold drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Soda
  • Candy
  • Sweet desserts

Avoiding these foods isn’t always necessary, but it’s worth mentioning any patterns you notice during your dental visit.

When Should You Call Your Dentist?

Occasional mild sensitivity isn’t always an emergency. However, you should schedule an appointment if:

  • The pain persists for more than a few days.
  • Sensitivity is getting worse.
  • One tooth hurts significantly more than others.
  • You notice swelling or visible damage.
  • Pain interferes with eating or drinking.

Ignoring sensitivity could allow an underlying issue to worsen.

How GPS Dental Can Help

The first step is identifying the cause. During your exam, Dr. Skrobanek will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and any restorations to determine why you’re experiencing discomfort.

Treatment may include:

  • Fluoride treatments
  • Desensitizing toothpaste recommendations
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Dental crowns
  • Nightguards for grinding
  • Gum disease treatment if needed

Because every patient is different, treatment is always personalized.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

You can reduce your risk by:

  • Brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Using fluoride toothpaste
  • Limiting acidic beverages
  • Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Keeping up with routine dental cleanings and exams

Prevention Starts with Routine Care

Many causes of tooth sensitivity can be identified during routine six-month dental visits before they become more serious.

At GPS Dental, preventive dentistry is about helping patients stay comfortable and avoid larger problems down the road.

If you’ve been dealing with tooth sensitivity, don’t assume you have to live with it. A simple evaluation can often identify the cause and help you get back to enjoying your favorite foods without discomfort.

Schedule your appointment with GPS Dental today and let us help you smile comfortably again.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek is a dental implant dentist and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

My Teeth Are Sensitive: Why and What You Can Do About It

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on August 14, 2018

my-teeth-are-sensitive

Having sensitive teeth can make eating and drinking more of a chore than something to enjoy, and unfortunately, millions of Americans suffer from pain caused by sensitive teeth. If you’re one of them, then it’s important to pay attention to what foods trigger the pain so that you can take care when consuming your favorite foods and drinks with them. However, it’s even more important to understand why my teeth are sensitive so you can take steps to reduce it.

My Teeth Are Sensitive: Substances and Activities That Trigger Tooth Pain

Tooth sensitivity is different for everybody, but certain things commonly trigger this type of pain, and they include:

  • Consuming acidic foods or beverages
  • Exposure to cold temperatures (including foods, drinks, and even the air)
  • Eating hot foods and drinks
  • Brushing too hard
  • Flossing your teeth

My Teeth Are Sensitive: Why Teeth Become Sensitive

The reason some people have tooth sensitivity is something called dentin, which is one of the primary substances that make up human teeth. In a healthy tooth, the nerves of the tooth are protected from things like hot, cold, and acid by dentin, which is in turn protected by enamel. But when the enamel wears away, it can expose the dentin below, leaving the nerves susceptible to temperature and other elements. When the nerves are exposed to these things, it triggers pain in your teeth and mouth.

 

My Teeth Are Sensitive: Factors That Can Exacerbate Sensitivity

Many activities and substances can actually make tooth pain worse, including anything that will wear away the enamel on your teeth or expose the roots of your teeth.

These things include:

  • brushing too hard
  • using a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • gingivitis
  • receding gums
  • grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
  • eating acidic foods or beverages too often (this can include mouthwash and whitening toothpaste)

Other factors that can worsen tooth sensitivity include having:

  • cracked teeth
  • excessive plaque build-up
  • tooth decay

 

Great, My Teeth Are Sensitive. So What Can I Do About It?

There’s good news for people who are suffering from sensitive teeth: there are treatments that can reduce the pain you experience when you eat and drink. You can mitigate the pain by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush, using desensitizing toothpaste, rinsing your mouth daily with an alcohol-free fluoridated mouthwash, avoiding acidic foods and beverages, and using a straw to consume cold or acidic substances.

Finally, it’s also a great idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gary Skrobanek at GPS Dental in San Antonio because he may be able to suggest dental procedures or solutions that may further reduce pain, including crowns, bonding, root canals, fixing cracks, or even a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and enamel from nighttime grinding.

Related Article: Signs of Sleep Apnea: The Bedtime Battle

Sensitive teeth can make life a pain and turn every meal into a minefield of figuring out where to chew comfortably; you might even be avoiding certain foods and doing what you can to prevent pain. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce pain caused by tooth sensitivity. Along with proper oral hygiene habits and avoiding certain substances, you can also talk to Dr. Skrobanek about what procedures might help make your teeth less sensitive.

More about Dr. Gary Skrobanek, DDS: Brooks City Base Dentist: GPS Spotlight on Dr. Gary Skrobanek

 

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.