Exposed Tooth Nerves: Causes, Instant Relief, & Treatment Options

According to some studies, tooth sensitivity can affect up to 85% of adults.

Under normal conditions, healthy teeth shouldn’t cause pain. This is because the nerves inside the teeth are well-protected by strong layers of enamel and dentin.

However, when teeth become sensitive or painful—especially to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks—it’s a sign that something is wrong. This usually means the nerves are no longer fully shielded from the outside environment.

When the protective layers of a tooth break down due to certain dental issues, the nerves become exposed. The result? Discomfort that can interfere with daily activities like eating, brushing, and even sleeping.

In this post, we’ll explore the causes of exposed tooth nerves, offer tips for instant pain relief, and discuss the treatment options to help you manage this condition effectively.

What Does It Mean When a Tooth Nerve Is Exposed?

Teeth are protected by two layers: the outer enamel and the underlying dentin.



Enamel, the hard outer layer, has no nerves. Its primary job is to perfectly shield the pulp—the inner part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—helping to prevent sensitivity, infections, and other dental problems.

Dentin, located beneath the enamel, also lacks nerves. However, it contains thousands of microscopic channels called dentinal tubules, which connect directly to the nerves in the pulp.



When dentin becomes exposed, these tiny tubules are left uncovered. This allows anything you eat or drink to travel through the tubules and reach the nerves, triggering a sharp, short-lived pain that many people recognize as sensitivity.

When both the enamel and dentin are damaged, the pulp becomes directly exposed to the external environment. This is a more serious condition that can lead to acute inflammation, resulting in intense, throbbing pain.

Dental Conditions that Can Lead to Exposed Tooth Nerve

Exposed tooth nerves can be the result of various dental conditions. The most common ones include:

1. Receding Gums

Receding gums occur when gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots and sometimes making your teeth appear longer than before.

Unlike the crown (the visible part of the tooth), the roots are more vulnerable because they lack the protective enamel layer. Once the gum tissue no longer covers the roots, a range of issues can arise.

The roots are made of dentin, which is less durable than enamel. This makes them more susceptible to external stressors like chewing pressure and acidic foods. As a result, tooth wear and decay progress much faster on the roots than on the crown. This is why receding gums and sensitivity often go hand in hand.

Two primary causes of receding gums are plaque buildup and trauma:

• Plaque buildup: Plaque is a soft, sticky film filled with harmful bacteria. When you skip brushing and flossing, plaque accumulates on your teeth, irritating your gums and causing inflammation. Over time, this irritation can cause the gums to shrink and recede.
• Trauma: Aggressive tooth brushing or any kind of injury to the gums can also lead to gum recession.

Tips to Relieve Sensitivity and Pain from Receding Gums

• Use a softer toothbrush: Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize irritation to your gums.


• Brush gently with proper technique: Avoid aggressive brushing, which can worsen gum recession. Use small, circular motions and take care not to apply too much pressure.


• Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Steer clear of hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods and beverages that may worsen your sensitivity.


• Try desensitizing products: Use a desensitizing toothpaste or gel to help reduce sensitivity. Products like Hello Sensitivity Relief Fluoride Toothpaste, Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste, or Orajel Dental Gel can provide effective relief when used consistently.

Permanent Treatment for Receding Gums

• Monitoring: If the gum recession is minor, stable, and not causing sensitivity or cosmetic concerns, no specific treatment may be necessary. However, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and monitor the condition regularly to prevent further progression.


• Dental Bonding: In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the exposed roots to reshape and cover them. This not only reduces sensitivity but also improves the tooth’s appearance.


• Gum Graft Surgery: For more severe cases, your dentist may recommend a gum graft. This involves taking gum tissue from another area of your mouth (or using artificial graft material) to cover the exposed roots, offering both protection and improved aesthetics.

2. Tooth Wear

Tooth wear is a common condition that damages the outer protective layers of the teeth, often progressing gradually without noticeable symptoms until significant damage occurs. Two primary factors can contribute to tooth wear:

• Mechanical Factors: These include abrasive actions such as brushing too hard or grinding your teeth (bruxism). Over time, these habits can wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity and other dental issues.
• Chemical Factors: Acidic substances can erode the enamel, making it thinner and more vulnerable. This can result from consuming acidic foods and drinks or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which exposes teeth to stomach acid.

Tooth wear caused by brushing too hard

Relieving Pain from Tooth Wear

1. Address the Root Cause: To effectively manage pain, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to tooth wear. Consider these measures:
• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks.
• If you suffer from dry mouth, stay hydrated throughout the day and chew sugar-free chewing gum between meals.
• Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth (bruxism) to prevent further damage.


2. Symptomatic Treatment (Desensitize Your Teeth): Use desensitizing products, such as toothpaste or gel, as part of your daily oral hygiene routine to help reduce sensitivity and provide relief.

How to Fix Worn-Down Teeth

• Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to the worn areas of your teeth to repair and protect them, improving both function and appearance.


• Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells are placed over the front surfaces of your teeth, enhancing their look while offering added protection.


• Crowns: For severely worn-down teeth, dental crowns (or caps) can be placed to restore their shape, function, and aesthetic appeal.

3. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from the food we eat and release acids. These acids gradually erode the enamel and dentin, leading to the formation of cavities—deep holes in the tooth.

If left untreated, the decay can progress deeper, eventually reaching the nerves inside the tooth. This can result in severe inflammation, causing intense, stabbing pain that can prevent you from sleeping.

However, tooth decay doesn’t always need to reach this stage to cause discomfort. Once the decay reaches the dentin, you may begin to experience sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods.

What to Do Right Away If You Have a Cavity

Tooth cavities should never be ignored or treated on your own. If you suspect you have a cavity, here's what you should do:

• Schedule an appointment: Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for a proper examination and treatment plan.


• Take OTC pain relievers: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed to manage discomfort until you can see your dentist.


• Rinse with warm saltwater: Soothe the affected area and reduce inflammation by rinsing with warm saltwater.


• Brush gently: Use warm water and a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth without irritating the sensitive area further.


• Swish with clove oil: Swish your mouth with diluted clove essential oil (mixed with a carrier oil) to relieve pain, as clove oil has natural numbing properties.


• Avoid trigger foods: Steer clear of hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that might worsen your discomfort.

Tooth Cavity Treatment

Treatment of tooth decay typically involves:

• Anesthesia: Your dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic to ensure a painless procedure.


• Removal of Decay: The decayed part of the tooth is carefully removed, creating a clean cavity.


• Restoration: The cavity is filled with dental material to restore the tooth's shape and function.

4. Tooth Crack or Fracture

Tooth fractures can happen to anyone, whether from a blow, accident, trauma, or a tooth weakened by an extensive cavity. Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial not to delay treatment, as fractures can worsen over time.

If the fracture reaches the pulp, it creates an entry point for bacteria and food debris, which can lead to infection and further complications.

These injuries can be sneaky at first and hard to spot. To check for a crack, look for dark lines, a loose fragment in your tooth, or pain when you release your bite.

Relieving Pain from Fractured Teeth

• Seek Prompt Treatment: Visit your dentist as soon as possible to assess the extent of the fracture and determine the best course of action.


• Relieve Pain: Use over-the-counter painkillers to manage any discomfort while you wait for treatment. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and opt for softer foods to prevent further damage.


• Protect the Tooth: If a large piece has broken off, keep it moist by placing it in a container with milk or saliva until you can see your dentist. If the fragment is intact, your dentist may be able to reattach it to your tooth.

How Can Your Dentist Help Provide Relief?

If you're experiencing intense pain in several teeth, or if sensitivity persists despite your best efforts, it's important to see your dentist, as it could be something more complicated.

These options are more effective and can often provide immediate relief. Here are the different approaches your dentist may use to manage pain caused by exposed tooth nerves:

1. Numbing Agent: Your dentist may apply a numbing agent to block the nerve pathway.


2. Fluoride Varnish: It's a highly concentrated fluoride product (about 20 times more than toothpaste) that helps seal exposed dentinal tubules, thus reducing sensitivity.


3. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored resin to cover and protect the exposed area, alleviating pain.


4. Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is another approach that helps seal exposed dentinal tubules, reducing sensitivity and pain.


5. Gum Grafting: If the nerve has been exposed following gum recession, your dentist may suggest a gum graft to cover the exposed root and protect the roots.


6. Root Canal Treatment: If the nerve exposure is significant and causes intense pain, or if all previous measures have failed, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged nerve and provide lasting relief.

Tips to Strengthen Teeth and Prevent Further Dental Issues

1. Oral Hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.


• Floss daily to clean between teeth and remove plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.


• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to detect and address any dental issues early on.

2. Diet:

• Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion.


• Consume a balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, as these nutrients are essential for strong teeth and gums.


• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to offset acidity and prevent dry mouth.

3. Promote Your Saliva:

Saliva is a natural mouth cleanser that plays a vital role in eliminating bacteria and food debris while naturally remineralizing our teeth. To promote healthy saliva production, consider the following tips:

• Chewing sugar-free gum between meals: This stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and protect your teeth from decay.
• Avoid snacking between meals: Saliva's primary role occurs during meal breaks. So try to limit snacking to let it do its job more effectively.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet further supports the beneficial effects of saliva in protecting your teeth and gums.

4. Consider Remineralizing Treatments:

• Your dentist may recommend fluoride supplements, such as dental gels or mouthwash.


• Hydroxyapatite, Novamine, and Recaldent are other effective alternatives with a proven ability to remineralize and strengthen teeth.