What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and How to Treat It

Sean Hamel • March 24, 2025

Understand the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Best Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Bowdon, Carrollton, & Villa Rica, GA

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients, and if you've ever experienced a sudden, sharp pain when sipping a hot drink or biting into ice cream, you know how disruptive it can be. While sensitivity might seem like a minor annoyance, it’s often a symptom of a larger issue.


At Bain Dental Group, we work with patients across Carrollton, Bowdon, and Villa Rica to pinpoint the cause of their sensitivity and provide effective, long-term solutions. Whether it’s a worn filling or early gum recession, identifying the source of the problem is the first step to getting relief.


What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth wears away or when your gums recede, exposing the softer inner part of your tooth—called dentin. This layer contains tiny nerve endings, and once exposed, it becomes reactive to heat, cold, sweet foods, and even air.


If you're searching for a dentist near me in Carrollton, it might be because you're experiencing exactly this kind of pain. Fortunately, our team at Bain Dental Group is here to help.


Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

There are several reasons why you might suddenly be experiencing discomfort:

1. Enamel Erosion
Brushing too hard or consuming highly acidic foods can erode the enamel over time, exposing the dentin and leading to pain.

2. Tooth Decay
Cavities compromise the integrity of your tooth and can lead to sensitivity, especially around the edges of older
fillings.

3. Worn Fillings
Over time,
fillings in Carrollton can crack or deteriorate, leaving the tooth exposed to temperature and pressure changes.

4. Gum Recession
Whether due to age or gum disease, gum recession can reveal the roots of your teeth, which are more sensitive than the crown.

5. Tooth Grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down enamel and cause hairline fractures.

6. Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can lead to exposure of the tooth’s nerve, creating sporadic but intense pain.

7. Dental Procedures
Sensitivity after
root canal therapy or other treatments is common, but if it persists, it may indicate that further care is needed.


Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

At Bain Dental Group, we believe in personalized care. Your treatment will depend on the specific cause of your sensitivity. Some of the solutions we offer include:

  • Desensitizing Toothpaste
    These help block nerve pathways to reduce sensitivity over time.
  • Fluoride Treatments
    Professional fluoride strengthens enamel and helps minimize the reaction to stimuli.
  • Dental Bonding
    If enamel loss or root exposure is the issue, a tooth-colored resin can be applied to protect the area.
  • Replacing Fillings
    If your discomfort is due to an aging restoration, we can replace old
    fillings for improved protection and aesthetics.
  • Gum Treatments
    If gum recession or disease is the problem, we offer soft tissue therapies to restore gum health and reduce sensitivity.
  • Restorative Solutions
    For more severe damage, a
    same day dentist in Carrollton can provide options like crowns, veneers, or even tooth extraction if the tooth is beyond repair.


Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Prevention starts with good oral hygiene and routine care:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Avoid overly acidic foods and beverages
  • Don’t brush immediately after consuming acidic drinks
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Schedule regular teeth cleanings in Carrollton


Get Lasting Relief with Bain Dental Group

Tooth sensitivity isn’t something you have to live with. Whether you need a minor adjustment or a full smile makeover in Carrollton, our team is here to help you restore comfort and confidence. With personalized care and state-of-the-art treatment, Bain Dental Group has everything you need to keep your smile healthy for years to come.



Our Services

429 Mitchell Avenue, Bowdon, Georgia 30108

Man grimaces, touching his face. He has dark hair, and a neutral background.
November 12, 2025
Learn more about why your jaw might hurt and when to see a dentist with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Dental bridge model with crowns replacing missing teeth, supported by existing teeth.
November 12, 2025
Learn more about what to know about dental bridges with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Close-up of a person smiling while holding a toothbrush with toothpaste, showing bright white teeth.
October 15, 2025
Learn more about tips for protecting enamel from daily wear with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Tooth crown, off-white, with natural-looking grooves and highlights, reflecting on a black surface.
October 15, 2025
Learn more about how to know when you need a dental crown with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Mouth with visible gums and teeth, held open. Fingers pull back the lower lip.
September 17, 2025
Learn more about the importance of gum health for patients with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Close-up of a person smiling, displaying white teeth, hands clasped under chin.
September 17, 2025
Learn more about how professional cleanings boost cosmetic results with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Man holding his jaw, showing pain; eyes closed, teeth clenched, suggesting toothache.
August 13, 2025
Learn more about what happens if you ignore a cavity with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Dentist taking a dental X-ray of a patient's mouth. The patient sits with mouth open.
August 13, 2025
Learn more about if you really need x-rays at the dentist with the best dental practice in West Allis, WI.
Dental implant in jaw, showing a white tooth attached to a silver screw.
By Sean Hamel July 18, 2025
Learn more about if dental implants are worth it with the best dental and aesthetics group in Bowdon, Carrollton, & Villa Rica, GA.
A person's mouth, showing inflamed gums. A finger points to the red, swollen area.
By Sean Hamel July 18, 2025
Learn more about gum disease warning signs most people miss with the best dental and aesthetics group in Villa Rica, Carrollton, & Bowdon, GA.