Dental

What Causes Sensitive Teeth? (Ten Common Reasons)

The woman visits her dentist.

Do you want to know what causes sensitive teeth? If so, keep reading this article to know the ten reasons why eating food or sipping hot coffee is sometimes a painful experience for you. Being aware of this can help you prevent the issue. You can learn more at this page: https://totalcaredentalstudio.com.au/dentist-park-ridge/.

 

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity usually happens when the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth at the gumline uncovering the dentin area of your tooth. This part is delicate and lies underneath the hard enamel surface. Underneath the gumline, dentin is not covered by the enamel, which is the part of the tooth that you can quickly notice in the mouth. Whenever dentin is uncovered, the tubules or the microscopic pores that lead to the tooth nerve are left unprotected.

 

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth can be a warning sign that there is something wrong with your mouth. For example, a minor cavity can lead to this symptom. The team of Radiant Smiles Dental Group points out that having sensitive teeth is an indication that your lifestyle is not healthy.

Moreover, tooth sensitivity may come and go overtime for no apparent reason. Individuals with sensitive teeth may encounter tooth pain or uneasiness as a response to specific factors. Knowing what causes sensitive teeth can help improve your dental hygiene practice and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Here are the reasons why you could be encountering this issue:

 

You Excessively Brush Your Teeth

At times, tooth pain and sensitivity come from using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing with excessive force. After some time, you can wear out the enamel of the teeth and uncover tiny hollow tubes or canals that bring on to your tooth nerves. When these tubes are presented to excessive temperatures or sweet or acidic foods, tooth sensitivity and pain can result. The most straightforward solution is to be gentler when brushing your teeth and, significantly, change your toothbrush with a softer bristle.

 

You Are a Tooth-Grinder

Although dental enamel is the most solid substance in your body, grinding or clenching your teeth can wear out the protective surface. By doing so, you uncover the dentin, or the center part of the tooth, which has the hollow tubes that bring on your nerves. Speak to your dentist about your teeth grinding issues. They can help you find a proper mouth guard that can prevent you from grinding.

The best mouthguards or splints are the ones that custom-made to fit your bite.

 

You Eat Acidic Foods

Once you have an exposed dental nerve, acidic foods like lemon, kiwi, pickles, grapefruit, and tomato sauce can cause tooth pain. However, keeping away from these food varieties can help you prevent any tooth discomfort.

 

You Use Whitening Toothpaste

Several manufacturers add dental whitening substances to their toothpaste products. Some individuals are more sensitive to them than other consumers. In case your toothpaste has whitening chemicals, it would be best to consider changing your item.

 

You Are a Mouthwash Addict

Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain liquor and different synthetic compounds that can make your teeth more sensitive. This can occur especially if your gum tissue recedes, which uncovers your dentin. Instead, attempt neutral fluoride washes or avoid the mouthwash and be more active doing proper brushing and flossing.

 

 

You Have Gum Disease

Gum recession is increasingly prevalent with age, poor oral hygiene, and a high risk of developing sensitive teeth. If periodontal disease is the issue, your dentist will make an arrangement to address the underlying disease and may likewise recommend a dental procedure to cover your teeth.

 

You Have Too Much Plaque

The reason for brushing and flossing is to eliminate plaque that builds up after you eat. The enormous development of plaque can make dental enamel erode. Once more, your teeth can turn out to be sensitive as they lose covering and security given by the enamel. The best way is to practice proper dental care and make a regular appointment with your dentist for professional cleanings.

 

You Had Dental Treatment

It is expected to encounter some sensitivity after an extraction, root canal treatment, or even a dental crown placement. If sensitivity does not vanish after a short period, you should make another appointment with your dentists. This is because it could be an indication of infection.

 

You Have a Cracked Tooth 

A cracked or chipped tooth can result in pain that exceeds tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will assess your tooth and choose the correct treatment, for example, a cap or dental extraction.

 

Decay Around the Edges of Fillings

As you age, fillings can fail and leak or fracture around the edges. It is common for microbes to gather in these tiny cracks, which causes acid development and enamel breakdown. Make sure to visit your dentist if you see this kind of tooth sensitivity between appointments. In most cases, dental fillings can be easily changed.

There are many ways to treat tooth sensitivity. You can purchase a toothpaste that is explicitly made for sensitive teeth. In any case, these ingredients do not work for everybody.

If your sensitivity persists regardless of what steps you take make sure to visit your dentist for a checkup. Only a dental visit can identify the most probable reason for your tooth sensitivity and the ideal treatment for your unique condition.

 

References:

Dentin Hypersensitivity: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment; A Literature Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3927677/

May 04, 2020. Teeth grinding (bruxism)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/

Periodontal Disease

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

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