Tooth Nerve Pain: Triggers & Treatment

Eating can cause sensitivity and pain when the dentin inside teeth is exposed to the mouth. Above the gumline, teeth are coated with enamel, and below the gumline they are covered in cementum. Both enamel and cementum protect dentin, which is a soft, yellow-brown dental mineral filled with tubules that lead to the inner nerve pulp. When teeth lose their protective coatings, temperature changes in the mouth and food and drink can move through the tubules to the tooth nerves. The enamel erosion, cavities, gum disease, exposed tooth roots and tooth fractures expose dentin in teeth and trigger tooth pain.

Unlike enamel, cementum and dentin, tooth nerves are sensitive to stimulation. This is helpful because it means they can tell us when there is a problem with our teeth. Unfortunately, it also means that irritating tooth nerves causes pain. High and low temperatures and acidic and sugary foods irritate the nerves in your teeth.

Avoid trigger foods and drinks to reduce tooth nerve pain. Some foods to avoid include:

• Pickles
• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits
• Cookies
• Candy

Allow hot food to cool before eating and avoid ice cream, ice cubes and other very cold or chilled foods. You should also avoid drinking soda. Sugary soda can trigger sensitivity, and sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acid, which erode tooth enamel.

To treat tooth nerve pain effectively, brush your teeth correctly, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and visit your dentist. Scrubbing harshly at your teeth erodes tooth enamel and can damage your gums, exposing tooth roots. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45° angle. Brush in a back and forth motion along the gumline. To help calm your tooth nerves while you brush, you can use a sensitive toothpaste. Your pain and sensitivity may be due to a dental problem that can be fixed, so go to see your dentist.

Pain while eating isn't fun, but there is plenty you can do to treat tooth sensitivity. Avoid very hot or cold and sweet or acidic foods, and pay your dentist a visit. When nerve pain from your teeth is reduced or fixed, you can enjoy your food again.