What Causes Teeth To Become Sensitive?

By Author: James Franklin
Total Articles: 275
Comment this article

If you find yourself wincing when you drink extremely hot or cold beverage, or feel discomfort when you floss or brush, you could be suffering from tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to lessen the sensitivity and improve your oral health. Listed below are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, and what you can do to get relief from it.
• Excessive brushing. Brushing with too much force or using hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the teeth’s protective layers, and expose your sensitive dental nerves.
• Acidic foods. If your nerve pathways are already exposed, acidic foods like lemon, kiwi, grapefruit, pickles and tomato cause can cause pain. Avoid these foods to avoid any discomfort.
• Tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth can wear down their enamel, exposing the dentin and then the nerve pathways. Wearing a mouth guard can stop you from grinding.
• Whitening toothpaste. Some people are sensitive to the whitening formulas mostly added in toothpaste today. Switch to a non-whitening formula if you are using one.
• Excessive use of mouth wash. Similar ...
... to whitening toothpaste, over the counter mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth even more sensitive.
• Gum disease. Receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity. If you suffer from this, your dentist can treat the underlying disease and might even consider sealing your teeth.
• Excessive plaque. Excessive plaque buildup can cause the tooth enamel to wear away, making it more sensitive. Practice good oral hygiene get regular cleanings from your dentist.
• Dental procedure. Many people experience some amount of tooth sensitivity following an extraction, root canal or crown placement. This should disappear after a while.
• Cracked tooth. A cracked or chipped tooth can cause pain that is beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will have to evaluate your tooth to determine the right course of treatment.
• Decay on fillings. Bacteria can accumulate in the fractures or leaks around fillings, causing enamel breakdown. In many cases, these fillings can easily be replaced.
Tooth sensitivity is controllable and treatable. For one, there are already toothpaste formulations available that aim to decrease or even eliminate the effects of tooth sensitivity. You can also try the tips above and see if they work for you in eliminating the discomfort. However, if it persists no matter what steps you take, contact your dentist for a more extreme solution.

About D. Dental:
D. Dental is a top dental services provider in The Colony, TX. Using the latest in dental techniques and equipment, Dr. Ryan Daniel and his team offers a wide range of general and cosmetic dental services to help their patients achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.