10 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Here are some of the biggest culprits of tooth sensitivity and what you can do about them:
- You brush with too much vigor. Tooth sensitivity can come from brushing with too much force or with using too hard-bristled a toothbrush. Over time, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth, exposing the pathways or canals that lead to your dental nerve. Tooth sensitivity and discomfort can result when theses canals are exposed to hot or cold or to acidic or sticky foods. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.
- You eat acidic foods. If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi and pickles can cause pain. If this is the case for you, your best bet is to avoid those acidic foods.
- You are a tooth-grinder. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, exposing the pathways that lead to your nerves. Talk to your dentist about finding a mouth guard that will help stop grinding. The most effective mouth guards are custom made to fit your bite.
- You use tooth-whitening toothpaste. Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others. If your toothpaste could be to blame for tooth sensitivity, consider switching brands.
- You use mouthwash. Just like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive, especially if your dentin is exposed. Try using a neutral fluoride rinse, or simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.
- You have gum disease. Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health), can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself.
- You have excessive plaque. The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. An excessive build-up of plaque can cause your enamel to wear away. Again, your teeth can become more sensitive as they lose their enamel protection. The solution is to practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist for cleanings every six months or more frequently if necessary.
- You have had a dental procedure. Teeth often become more sensitive after you’ve been in the dentist’s chair. It’s common to have some sensitivity after a root canal, an extraction, or the placement of a crown. If your sensitivity doesn’t disappear after a short time, another visit to your dentist is in order – it could be an infection.
- Your tooth is cracked. A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to evaluate your tooth and decide the right course of treatment, such as a crown or an extraction.
- There is decay around the edges of fillings. As you get older, fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. It’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown. See your dentist if you notice this type of sensitivity between visits; in most cases, fillings can be easily replaced.
If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what you do, see your dentist for an evaluation. Together you can come up with the best solution for your particular situation.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/10-biggest-causes-of-tooth-sensitivity.aspx
