What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
More than 3 million cases of tooth sensitivity are reported each year in the United States. However, many people are still unsure what causes their teeth to be sensitive.
Your teeth become sensitive when the inner layer of your teeth (dentin) is exposed. It’s why a hot cup of coffee or a cold bowl of ice cream may give you a twinge of pain.
The inner layer of your tooth is responding to hot or cold temperatures.
Let’s take a look at some of the so you can take better care of your teeth and maintain a healthy smile. If your tooth sensitivity doesn't’ go away after a day or two, we recommend scheduling a dentist appointment with our family dentist.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
While it’s important to remove and bacteria from your teeth, make sure you aren’t brushing too hard. Using too much force or using a hard-bristled brush can wear down your tooth enamel, exposing your dentin and increasing your sensitivity.
To prevent tooth sensitivity, brush your teeth using gentle circular motions. If you’re worried about leaving behind dental plaque, be sure to follow up teeth brushing with flossing and mouth rinse.
Consuming Too Much Sugar
It’s not uncommon for people to experience tooth sensitivity after eating more sweets than usual. The bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar just as much as you and produce acids that can erode tooth enamel.
If you plan on eating more sugary foods and drinks, don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth. The best way to prevent dental plaque buildup and tooth sensitivity is to eat a balanced diet.
Nighttime Teeth Grinding
Do you grind your teeth at night? Over time, nighttime teeth grinding can wear down your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods.
People who grind their teeth may also experience headaches, cracked teeth, and sleep disruption. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night, do not hesitate to contact our dentist. She can create a custom night guard to provide a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
Excessive Teeth Whitening
Although professional teeth whitening can greatly improve the appearance of your smile, you’ll need to consult with your dentist before scheduling a treatment. Different people have different pain tolerances, which is why only some people experience sensitivity after teeth whitening. Keep in mind that excessively whitening your teeth can weaken tooth enamel over time and expose the inner dentin.
Receding Gums
One of the symptoms of gum disease is receding gums, which is when your gums start to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This is because the gum has receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth, which are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
While the beginning stages of gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene, periodontitis is an irreversible condition. To slow the damaging effects of periodontitis, we recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning appointment that includes scaling and root planing.
Avoid Sensitive Teeth With Good Oral Hygiene
Our Naples, FL, family dentist is dedicated to making sure you avoid tooth sensitivity with quality dental treatments. Call The Modern Dentist today at (614) 882-1135, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.