This is usually a sign of gingivitis or using a toothbrush that has bristles that are hard. Switch to a soft-bristle brush and use a gentle circular motion rather than scrubbing.
Sensitive gums are a dental condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and sharp pain when exposed to temperature changes. Tooth sensitivity is commonly caused by aggressive brushing, gingivitis, or an adverse reaction to ingredients in toothpaste. This can require specific lifestyle changes and advanced professional care to resolve. Many commercial toothpastes use sodium lauryl, which can irritate sensitive tissues in the mouth. Keep in mind that if gum pain or bleeding persists for more than 14 days despite home care, we recommend a professional evaluation. Here at Enamel Dentistry Leander, we encounter several patients who seek our care to treat their sensitive gums and gum pain.
Sensitivity can be caused when the gums retract away from the teeth, exposing the tooth’s root. The roots are full of very tiny nerve endings. Because the roots lack enamel, they also lose their protection if the enamel has eroded. When extreme temperature changes occur, it sends a pain signal to the brain. Here at Enamel Dentistry Leander, we often see this in patients who overbrush. Ensuring that you are not overbrushing can lead to healthier gums.
While it may sound counterintuitive that toothpaste can hurt your mouth, it is very important to look at the toothpaste’s ingredients. that toothpastes containing increased amounts of particles such as silica cause them to be more abrasive [1] (Enax et al., 2023). Many whitening and tartar control toothpastes are very abrasive. They work to remove surface stains, but when used in excess, they can erode the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. While they might remove stains, they can also erode the gum tissue. Common ingredients in toothpastes, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which causes toothpaste to foam, can be an irritant for your gums. Medical literature has shown that SLS can be a risk indicator of prolonged oral wound healing time [2] (Sabri et al., 2023). Be sure to look for toothpastes that are SLS-free or designed only for sensitivity. These toothpastes contain compounds that block the pain signals from reaching the nerve.
There are a few at-home remedies for Leander residents to soothe a toothache.
Below is a table that compares at-home care versus professional treatment.
Treatment option | Best for | Cost | Time to relief | Durability |
Desensitizing toothpaste | Mild | Low | 2-4 weeks | Temporary |
Fluoride varnish | Moderate | Medium | Immediate | 3-6 months |
Gum graft | Severe root exposure | High | 2-3 weeks | Permanent |
Deep cleaning | Gum disease | Medium | 1-2 weeks | Long term |
Vitamin C is key since collagen is the building block of gums. New research has shown that a deficiency of vitamin C is regarded as a risk factor for oral carcinogenesis [3] (Murererehe et al., 2022). Vitamin C helps to build collagen. In your diet, be sure to add more bell peppers, strawberries, and citrus to your diet. We understand that Austin is a very busy place, and this can cause patients to grind their teeth due to stress. Grinding your teeth can shatter the seal along the gumline, forcing your gums to retract from the teeth. It is best to wear a mouthguard to bed to ensure you are not causing unwanted trauma to your teeth. A major culprit of gum disease is dry mouth. Dry mouths are a breeding ground for bacteria to attack the gums. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to keep the saliva levels high.
Dental professionals should be visited if you have any of these issues:
If you’re feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, our team at Enamel Dentistry Leander offers Netflix, warm blankets, and a curated beverage menu to help ease anxiety and make your visit feel comfortable and relaxing.
This is usually a sign of gingivitis or using a toothbrush that has bristles that are hard. Switch to a soft-bristle brush and use a gentle circular motion rather than scrubbing.
No. Once the gum tissue has receded and the root is exposed, it will not grow back. However, early intervention can stop the recession from getting worse.
Not always, it can be caused by trauma, clenching, or hormonal changes. However, if the pain also shows bleeding and swelling, then an infection is likely occurring.
Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With extensive clinical experience, he specializes in preventive care, gum health, restorative dentistry, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. He is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.
[1] Enax, J., Meyer, F., Schulze Zur Wiesche, E., Fuhrmann, I. C., & Fabritius, H. O. (2023). Toothpaste Abrasion and Abrasive Particle Content: Correlating High-Resolution Profilometric Analysis with Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA). Dentistry journal, 11(3), 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj11030079
[2] Sabri, H., Derakhshan Barjoei, M. M., Azarm, A., Sadighnia, N., Shakiba, R., Aghebati, G., Hadilou, N., Kheiri, P., Ghanbari, F., Deravi, N., & Mokhtari, M. (2023). The Yin and Yang of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Use for Oral and Periodontal Health: A Literature Review. Journal of dentistry (Shiraz, Iran), 24(3), 262–276.
[3] Murererehe, J., Uwitonze, A. M., Nikuze, P., Patel, J., & Razzaque, M. S. (2022). Beneficial Effects of Vitamin C in Maintaining Optimal Oral Health. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 805809.
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