If you’ve ever felt the sting of sensitive teeth, you know what a painful experience it can be. One moment, you’re enjoying your favorite food or sipping a cold drink, and you’re the victim of a terrible toothache the next.

Tooth sensitivity occurs because of worn-down tooth enamel, which leaves dentin and nerve endings exposed. These parts of your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, air, and other stimuli.

Because of this, dental cleanings and oral health procedures can become very painful. The poking, scraping and polishing that occurs in a cleaning can become an anxiety-inducing experience, always wondering when the pain will hit.

At Mountain View Family Dental, we understand the pain of sensitive teeth, and we’re here to help. We can accommodate your needs to make dental cleanings less painful for you, and offer tips to reduce tooth sensitivity over time and maintain optimal oral health along the way.

Communication With Your Dentist

One of the most important aspects of reducing tooth sensitivity is to communicate your concerns to us before a professional cleaning. We won’t know we’re approaching a sensitive area in your mouth unless you say so.

We’ll ask you about any concerns at the beginning of your appointment. This is the perfect time to mention where you’re experiencing sensitivity in your mouth and your sensitivity triggers.

From there, we can adjust our cleaning process to be more gentle and careful around the sensitive areas while still keeping them clean. Never be afraid to tell us you’re uncomfortable—we want to make your dental cleaning as easy and painless as possible, and we’ll find a method that works for you.

Mitigating Tooth Sensitivity During Dental Cleanings

We have several different methods for reducing sensitivity during cleanings, ranging from topical treatments to medication and sedation. Together, we’ll find the option that’s best for you.

Desensitizing Gel

We can use desensitizing gels to reduce sensitivity during your teeth cleaning. These gels fill the dentinal tubules to block pain signals from reaching the nerves or by desensitizing the nerve endings, making them less responsive to external stimuli. Some gels also help strengthen the enamel to add more protection.

During the appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist applies the gel to your teeth for added comfort during the cleaning. You can also use desensitizing toothpaste at home. Simply brush as normal with this toothpaste and enjoy daily sensitivity prevention that lasts over time.

Pain Medication

For pain relief during a dental cleaning, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol before or after your visit. Adding sensitive or fluoride toothpaste will take it one step further to prevent further irritation. Always take just the recommended dosage of these medications and combine it with good oral hygiene for the best result.

In extreme cases, a doctor can prescribe extra-strength medication for tooth sensitivity, which can be taken ahead of your visit to reduce pain more effectively and for longer periods.

Regular Cleanings

You can also improve your tooth sensitivity simply by keeping regular dental appointments. When you come to see us every six months—and maintain great oral hygiene between visits—there will be less plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. This means we’ll have less to scrape off during your visit to keep your teeth healthy, which means less stimuli for your sensitive teeth and a much easier visit for you.

Maintaining regular cleanings also helps us ensure your teeth aren’t developing cavities, which can add to sensitivity. The earlier we detect and treat cavities, the less likely you are to develop more tooth pain. Avoiding dental cleanings will only lead to more dentin exposure.

Sedation Dentistry

In particularly bad cases of tooth sensitivity, we can also use sedation to make your dental appointments easier and minimize discomfort. Sedation dentistry is used to keep the patient relaxed during a procedure to make the process easier for both the patient and the dentist.

Sedation dentistry doesn’t always mean you’ll be asleep. Most of the time, patients remain awake but deeply relaxed. You’ll be able to respond to questions, but won’t be bothered by sights, sounds, or sensations occurring during the appointment.

For people with sensitive teeth, sedation can be a great tool because it reduces the awareness of pain during a dental procedure and keeps you relaxed throughout the process.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are several levels of sedation, each suited to different comfort levels and procedures:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a small mask to relax you during treatment. This sedation wears off quickly, so you can even drive yourself home
Oral Sedation: You’ll take a pill before the appointment. It provides a deeper level of relaxation—you’ll feel drowsy but remain awake and aware
IV Sedation: This method is delivered directly into the bloodstream for a faster, more intense effect. You may feel like you’re asleep or barely remember the procedure
General Anesthesia: This method is reserved for more complex cases. It renders you completely unconscious. This option is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center setting

Mountain View Family Dental offers nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation for treating sensitive teeth. We can determine if sedation dentistry is a helpful tool for you.

Managing Sensitivity and Its Causes

Tooth sensitivity can feel like a sharp, sudden jolt—especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic.

This discomfort usually stems from worn enamel or exposed dentin, the layer of tissue beneath your tooth's outer shell. When the enamel wears away, tiny openings in the dentin allow temperature changes and certain foods to reach the nerve endings inside your teeth, triggering pain.

Common causes of sensitive teeth include enamel erosion, along with other factors:

Worn Enamel: Often because of aggressive brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or consuming acidic foods and drinks
Gum Recession: Exposed tooth roots occur when gums pull away from the teeth. Roots don’t have protective enamel
Tooth Decay or Cracked Teeth: These can expose the inner layers of the tooth
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): This habit can wear down enamel and increase sensitivity
Poor Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease—all of which can worsen teeth sensitivity

Day-to-day tips to manage tooth sensitivity:

Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth (often contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride)
Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle pressure
Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus, and wine
Don’t skip regular dental cleanings because they help prevent and catch issues early.
Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments, desensitizing toothpaste, or dental sealants that can help protect sensitive areas, strengthen enamel, and reduce sensitivity
A night guard can reduce damage and discomfort if you grind your teeth.

With the right daily care and guidance from your dentist, sensitive teeth can be managed and protected, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods without hesitation.

Contact Us For Professional Treatments With Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth shouldn’t stand in the way of eating your favorite foods or visiting the dentist. We’re here to make your appointments easier with pain relief, help you reduce sensitivity long-term, and give you a healthy smile.

Sensitive Teeth: How To Make Dental Cleanings Less Painful