There are many reasons someone can have sensitive teeth. Here we will review just a few common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Some people believe that the harder they brush their teeth, the cleaner they will be, which is not accurate. Brushing your teeth too hard, especially when using a hard bristle brush, wears down the enamel protecting your teeth, exposing the nerves connected to the dentin in your tooth. The exposure of the nerves to extreme temperatures creates tooth sensitivity. You can avoid wearing down your enamel by using a soft bristle brush and brushing your teeth gently.
If your enamel is weakened and the nerves connected to the dentin are exposed, eating acidic foods can cause tooth sensitivity. To avoid spending your day in pain, stay away from acidic foods and fruits like grapefruit, lemon, pickles and tomato sauce, which can cause discomfort.
If you have gum disease, the chances of your gums receding are high. When your gums recede, your tooth roots are left exposed, leading to sensitivity in the tooth with the exposed root. In some cases, the recession of your gums can be treated with oral surgery.
The frequent use of mouthwash can lead to tooth sensitivity because most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol and have chemicals that weaken the enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. You can avoid putting yourself in pain by using fluoride mouthwash, which prevents plaque and strengthens your enamel.
Tooth-whitening toothpaste can lead to tooth sensitivity because they have chemicals to help bleach your teeth white. These chemicals can eat at your enamel and wear them down, leading to the exposure of the dentin nerves and tooth sensitivity.
Teeth grinding is something many people do in their sleep. Even though the action is mostly involuntary, it leads to tooth sensitivity because the grinding on the teeth wears down the enamel. If you grind your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to use while you sleep to prevent further damage to your teeth and avoid tooth sensitivity.
Dental procedures are done to improve the health of your teeth, but sometimes, they can also be the cause of the problem. Procedures like teeth whitening, dental crowns and fillings can lead to tooth sensitivity. However, the discomfort caused by these procedures is temporary.
The buildup of plaque on your teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth sensitivity because the plaque wears down your enamel and weakens your teeth, which in turn makes them sensitive. Practicing good oral hygiene can help reduce the plaque on your teeth, preventing tooth sensitivity and gum disease.
These are a few causes of tooth sensitivity. If you are interested in finding out about more causes of tooth sensitivity and how to prevent it, talk to your dentist to learn more about the condition.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
An emergency dentist is essential for anyone facing unexpected dental issues that require immediate attention. Whether the issue is a severe toothache, injury, or infection, seeking help from an emergency dentist provides prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications. Taking immediate action allows patients to alleviate pain and avoid long-term damage to their oral…
While clear braces can straighten teeth with brackets that blend more naturally with the smile, proper care helps keep them clean, comfortable, and effective. While these braces work much like traditional metal braces, their tooth-colored or ceramic brackets can show stains more easily when patients do not follow a strong oral hygiene routine. With daily…
An emergency dentist offers urgent and specialized care for unplanned dental issues, especially when severe pain or sudden trauma requires immediate attention. These situations can feel overwhelming and may raise many questions about what to expect and how to prepare. Therefore, it is good to have a list of questions to ask before arriving at…
Dental implants provide a fixed tooth replacement option for individuals seeking to restore chewing ability, speech, and the appearance of their smile after tooth loss. Traditional dentures can effectively replace missing teeth, but removable appliances often require adjustments as the gums and jawbone change. Understanding these eight differences between each option can help patients explore…