Brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly are all things you do to care for your teeth, but did you know that maintaining both of those practices may not be enough to maintain your tooth health?
Sensitive teeth are a common tooth problem that often goes misdiagnosed, leaving many to suffer often painful symptoms in silence.
You may feel like you’re chewing on ice all day or find that hot or cold foods only intensify the pain in your mouth, but what are the underlying causes of tooth sensitivity?
Keep reading to learn why your teeth hurt and how you can alleviate your teeth pain!
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity. When the gums are not healthy, they can pull away from the teeth and leave the roots exposed. This can make the teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay creates a hole in the tooth. This hole exposes the nerve endings in the tooth, which causes dentin hypersensitivity. This will be directly affected by hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
In addition to causing pain, tooth decay can also lead to an infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Worn Enamel
As the enamel on your teeth starts to wear down, it can cause the nerves and blood vessels inside your teeth to become exposed.
This can lead to your teeth feeling more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic food and drinks. Worn enamel can also make your teeth more prone to cavities and tooth decay.
Brushing your teeth too hard, grinding your teeth, and eating acidic foods can all contribute to worn enamel. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, be sure to talk to your dentist to find out if worn enamel is the cause.
Cracked Teeth
The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are cracked teeth, exposed root surfaces, and gum recession.
Cracked teeth can develop due to chewing hard foods, clenching or grinding your teeth, or trauma to the mouth. Once a crack forms, it can allow bacteria and other debris to enter the tooth and cause irritation to the nerve.
Acidic Foods
Once the enamel on your teeth is exposed to acidic substances, it can start to break down and wear away. This can also make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive after eating or drinking something acidic, you may want to avoid those foods and drinks or make sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
There are several treatments for sensitive teeth that can help to reduce or eliminate the discomfort. These include using sensitive toothpaste, using a softer toothbrush, and avoiding acidic foods and drinks.
In some cases, your dentist may also recommend using a fluoride mouthwash or getting a fluoride treatment.
Check a general dentistry service near you to get proper treatment for your sensitive teeth.
Explaining the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is caused by many things, including gum disease, tooth decay, tooth wear, and cracked teeth. Treatments for tooth sensitivity include fluoride, desensitizing toothpaste, and bonding.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best course of help for sensitive teeth.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!