Are you in ever in pain when you brush or floss? Does eating cold foods make you wince? If so, you may have what is known as tooth sensitivity. The good news is the pain doesn’t have to last. Read below to find out a few reasons your teeth may be overly sensitive and how you can lessen your sensitivity while improving your oral health:
Problem: Brushing too Hard. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush and/or brushing with too much force wears down the protective layers of your teeth and exposes them to microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. This creates a lot of pain when the tubules are exposed to sticky or acidic foods, as well as extreme temperatures.
➢ Solution: Switch your toothbrush to one with softer bristles and be gentler when brushing.
Problem: Grinding your Teeth. If you often find yourself clenching your jaws or grinding your teeth, you most likely have found the cause of your sensitive teeth. Grinding your teeth wears down the enamel and exposes the dentin (middle layer of your tooth), which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves.
➢ Solution: Talk to your dentist about finding a mouth guard that can stop you from grinding. The best guards are custom made to fit your bite.
Problem: Using Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste. Using tooth-whitening toothpaste is becoming increasingly popular, but the chemicals found in these toothpastes are too much for some people. If you can’t find the cause of your sensitive teeth, it could be that your teeth aren’t made to handle the whitening components of your toothpaste.
➢ Solution: Switch toothpastes to something with fewer chemicals. It may be a good idea to use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
Problem: You Have Gum Disease. Are your gums receding? If so, you may have gum disease. Receding gums can cause a great deal of tooth sensitivity as the root of your tooth is exposed.
➢ Solution: Talk to your dentist as soon as possible. He or she may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself.
Tooth sensitivity can cause a great deal of pain, but it is treatable. The important thing is to do something about it. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Gabhart’s office to discuss the cause of your sensitive teeth. We will work together to find a solution!
