How Does Nerve Pain in the Teeth Happen?

We all know how it feels—something has wreaked havoc on your teeth, sending your hand to your face and snapping your eyes closed, and all you want is for the pain to stop. Nerve pain like this may not last especially long, but it can revisit you throughout your day and effectively ruin it—or at least severely impede it. Whether it's due to a cracked tooth or a cavity, aggravating your teeth's nerves is an easy way to cause that awful pain you’re feeling. To learn a bit more about nerve pain in the teeth, check out our quick guide below.

Tooth Talk

Teeth have four parts: pulp, cementum, dentin, and enamel, with the outer layer of enamel being the body’s strongest substance, per the American Dental Association. Beneath the enamel is the cementum, which is meant for protecting the root of the tooth below the gum line. The dentin layer, which is less dense than the cementum and the enamel, contains microscopic tubules, which are connected to the bottom pulp layer. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves, and when the dentin layer has been worn down, certain drinks and foods can hit the nerves through the former dentin’s tubules, causing sensitivity in the teeth.

Foods You Should Avoid

Identifying the foods that are causing pain can allow individuals to shift their focus toward mitigating the irritation. Common foods and drinks linked to nerve pain are cold and hot, sweet and sugary, and sour and acidic. As well, any foods and drinks with a high amount of sugar, such as soda, sports drinks, and desserts, can further enamel erosion.

How Nerves Become Exposed

When consumed in excess, these types of food and drink are the first stage toward exposing the tooth's nerve. However, even healthy foods can exacerbate the issue—fruits like grapefruit and lemons consist of pH levels that weaken the teeth’s enamel, just as candy and coffee do. While no one is saying to stop eating these foods, moderation and proper preparation are the key, so make sure you know which foods can worsen the issue.

As with other mouth conditions, preventing nerve pain in teeth is possible via a strong oral health care routine, which should involve brushing twice per day at least as well as flossing daily. Remember that dental checkups every six months are crucial components as well, as your dental professional is a good resource who can recognize budding tooth concerns and can reinforce whether your oral health care routine is working.

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