Are your gums tender? Does it hurt when you drink a cold beverage? Or do you wince when you brush and floss your teeth? If the answer to all of these is yes, then you might have sensitive teeth.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Mild tooth sensitivity can go away when you improve your oral health. Here are possible reasons why you are experiencing pain.
#1 Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Using too much force when brushing your teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity problems.
By brushing your teeth too hard, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth, exposing the inner structures, which are sensitive to heat and cold.
It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle motions when brushing your teeth.
#2 Eating Too Many Acidic Foods
When your nerve’s pathway loses its protective covering and becomes exposed, discomfort can occur. Another culprit for this condition is the high consumption of acidic foods which are:
- Tomato sauce
- Lemons
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Pickles
To prevent sensitive teeth, it is best to limit consumption of these highly acidic foods.
#3 Teeth Grinding
Did you know that the enamel of your tooth is the hardest substance in your body? However, when you grind your teeth, this portion tends to wear off. As a result, the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth containing the pathways to the nerves, is exposed.
It is important to consult your dentist about teeth grinding and find a mouthguard to prevent the enamel from wearing off. Custom-fit mouthguards offer the best solution.
#4 Too Much Use of Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste
Some people are more sensitive to the chemicals in the teeth whitening toothpaste. Your choice of toothpaste may require trial and error to find which suits you best.
#5 Gum Disease
As people age, their gums recede, leading to tooth sensitivity. However, without proper oral hygiene, anyone’s gums can suffer from this condition.
It is important to practice good oral care habits and regularly visit your dentist. We can detect early signs of gum problems and treat them early.
#6 Presence of Excessive Plaque
Plaque is usually formed after you eat and is removed after flossing and brushing your teeth.
Improper oral care habits can lead to excessive plaque buildup, causing the enamel to wear away. Since the outer protection of the teeth is lost, sensitivity can result.
The solution? Practice good dental care every day and visit your dentist regularly.
#7 You Underwent a Dental Procedure
It is normal to experience some sensitivity when you just underwent a dental procedure such as a root canal, tooth extraction or crown placement. However, the sensitivity should go away after a short time. If it persists, we need to see you, as it could be a sign of infection.
#8 Cracked Tooth
When your tooth has a chip or crack you might experience pain that goes well beyond tooth sensitivity. In this case, you need to come in immediately.
#9 Presence of Decay Beyond Dental Fillings
With age, dental fillings can weaken and leak around the edges. Bacteria can accumulate in these crevices, causing the buildup of acid, breaking down the enamel.
Make an appointment if you notice sensitivity in a tooth that has a filling.
The good news is that tooth sensitivity is treatable. You can easily find a toothpaste that is designed for sensitivity, although they don’t work for everyone.
The best course of action to take if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity is to visit your dentist for an evaluation.