Getting to the Bottom of Tooth Sensitivity: What Causes It
Tooth sensitivity is a common and often painful tooth problem that a lot of people have. If you feel sharp pain when you eat an ice cream cone or drink a hot cup of coffee, it’s likely that your teeth are sensitive. But what’s making you feel this way? Discover the real sources of tooth sensitivity in this blog post. We’ll look at the most common reasons why this happens and what you can do to feel better.
- uncovered Dentin: Another main cause of sensitive teeth is uncovered dentin. The dentin layer is below the enamel on your teeth. If it gets uncovered, it can make your teeth sensitive. One reason this could happen is
– Tooth Wear: The enamel on your teeth can wear away over time if you brush them too hard, grind your teeth, or eat or drink things that are acidic.
– Receding Gums: If your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, it can reveal the roots of your teeth. These roots are not protected by enamel and are very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Damage to the teeth: Tooth decay, also known as cavities or oral caries, can make teeth sensitive. When decay breaks down the enamel on your teeth, it can reveal the dentin below, which can make them sensitive to things that are hot, cold, or sweet.
- Grinding your teeth: Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, puts too much pressure on your teeth. This can eat away the enamel over time, revealing the dentin and making the tooth sensitive.
- Cracked Teeth: A cracked tooth can show the dentin, which can make the tooth sensitive, especially when you chew or eat something hot or cold.
- Recent Dental Procedures: You may have temporary sensitive teeth after some dental procedures, like fillings, crowns, or teeth cleaning. This is a common side effect of the treatment that should go away soon.
Acidic Foods and Drinks: Eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks, like soda, citrus fruits, and foods made with vinegar, can wear away your enamel over time, making your teeth more sensitive.
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth if you don’t take care of them properly. These things can make your gums get sick and wear away your enamel, which can make your teeth sensitive.
- Fillings that are cracked or leaking: Fillings that are broken or failing can show the inner layers of your tooth, making it sensitive.
Teeth Whitening Products: If you don’t use some over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, they can make your teeth temporarily sensitive.
Changes in temperature: Eating ice cream after a hot meal is one example of a sudden change in temperature that can make your teeth sensitive, especially if they are already weak.
How to Deal with and Avoid Tooth Sensitivity
To avoid and deal with tooth sensitivity, people usually need to keep up with good mouth care and make changes to their lifestyle:
– Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
– Think about using toothpaste with fluoride to milden your teeth.
– If you don’t want to grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard.
– Eat a healthy diet and stay away from sour foods and drinks in large amounts.
– Get rid of gum disease by going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
– Fix any fillings or dental work that is broken.
– Talk to your dentist about treatment choices like tooth sealants, fluoride varnishes, or desensitizing treatments done in the office.
In conclusion
People often have sensitive teeth, but they don’t have to be painful all the time. Figuring out what makes people sensitive is the first thing that needs to be done to fix the problem. You can help avoid and treat sensitive teeth by taking care of your oral health and making any necessary changes to your lifestyle. This will help you smile without pain or discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth that won’t go away, don’t wait to see your dentist for a skilled opinion and advice.