Sensitive teeth aren’t just an irritation. They can also make it hard for you to eat and drink. For the most part, sensitive tooth pain is sharp, sudden, and temporary. The pain usually occurs when teeth are exposed to cold air or hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, learn more about some of the common causes and different solutions you can try to get some relief.
Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Developing sensitive teeth can happen to anyone. Eroded enamel or exposed roots usually cause tooth sensitivity. However, teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth.
Brushing Too Hard or Too Frequently
Brushing too hard or too frequently using a toothbrush that has hard bristles can wear down the enamel on teeth and cause the dentin to become exposed. Brushing too hard can also lead to gum recession and root exposure. Therefore, many dental professionals recommend that you use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Teeth Grinding
Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw or notice yourself grinding your teeth in times of stress? Not only can grinding wear down your teeth, but it can also even possibly crack or chip a tooth. Through this process, nerve endings can become exposed leading to increased sensitivity.
Demineralization
Demineralization is when the mineral content in the tooth enamel decreases. After a while, the enamel of your teeth will reduce, exposing the vulnerable inner layers increasing rates of infections. Demineralization can often be found amongst patients who drink a lot of sugary and acidic refreshments, such as soda, so it is good to avoid them.
Gum Recession
A result of many different factors, including your brushing, gum recession is the process of gingiva being damaged through infection or force resulting in the exposure of a tooth’s root. These surfaces are a lot closer to the nerve bedding and can cause serious pain when eating cold or sugary foods.
Diet
Just as with sugary drinks, consistent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as orange juice, tomatoes, citrus, and pickles can erode layers of enamel when done frequently.
What Can I Do About My Sensitive Teeth?
While numerous things can cause sensitive teeth, the good news is that a variety of dental treatments and procedures can help protect sensitive teeth. If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, your dentist might recommend trying one of the following solutions.
Mouth Guards
If your sensitivity is caused by involuntary grinding, also known as bruxism, your dentist might recommend wearing a mouthguard. You can purchase guards that you can mold at home, or your dentist can make a mold of your teeth and produce a more comfortable and custom-fitted mouthguard. Not only do mouth guards help in the reduction of pain caused by sensitive teeth, but it may also relieve any jaw joint pain and headaches you’re experiencing.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are one solution for sensitive teeth your dentist might recommend. Dental sealants are a thin resin coating that your dentist can paint onto your teeth to help reduce sensitivity. It’s important to keep in mind that dental sealants are only temporary and will eventually wear off.
Root Canal
If the above options don’t work and your sensitive teeth are reducing your quality of life, your dentist may recommend a root canal. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the pulp or soft nerve tissues inside your tooth that’s causing your pain and discomfort.
How Can I Know Which Treatment is Right for Me?
This is where your dentist comes in. As you can see, there are a lot of factors affecting the sensitivity of your teeth. It requires a professional to help narrow down what may be specifically causing your pain and how they can treat the issue directly.
Speak with Applewood Village Dentists today to figure out how you can alleviate your pain and get back to eating what you love. We will give you the tips and tricks you need to keep your mouth at optimal health while removing your everyday pain.
Book today for your next visit and let us know if you are experiencing new or increasing sensitivity.