Why do teeth get sensitive and how to deal with it?
Why do teeth get sensitive and how to deal with it?
Are you missing out on heavenly food because of dental discomfort? Has brushing become a painful task? The most common reason for this is sensitive teeth. It generally causes a sharp short-lived pain. Presenting difficulty in consuming very cold or very sour things, it can be reduced or even be treated by simple methods. For starters, it’s important to find out the main causes. Helping not only to combat it, but also prevent it.
7 Reasons for having sensitive teeth
1. You brush with too much force:
Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, the protective outer layer of your teeth known as enamel wears out exposing microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubes are exposed to extremes of temperatures or acidic foods, tooth sensitivity can result. # Solution: Always toothbrush with medium to soft bristles and be gentle when brushing.
2. You’ve got gum disease:
Receding gums, which can have multiple reasons ranging from aging, improper brushing to deposits of plaque (tartar) on teeth, can cause tooth sensitivity. The receding gum exposes the underlying root portion of the tooth which, is thin, thus causing sensitivity. # Solution: If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, you will need to treat the underlying disease. Know if gum disease is causing sensitivity.
3. You consume excessive amounts of acidic foods:
Acidic foods and drinks wear away your tooth enamel, leaving you susceptible to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. They can also cause the gum line to recede, which exposes the nerves. Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and their juice are acidic. # Solution: Instead of eating citrus fruits by themselves, try adding them to a meal. This helps lower the pH levels in the mouth. If the sensitivity is already present acidic foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause pain. Avoid biting on lemons as well. Avoiding these foods can help avoid any tooth discomfort.
4. The tooth filling has broken or there is leakage/ decay around the edges of the filling:
With time, tooth fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. Eventually bacteria accumulate in these crevices causing acid buildup and enamel breakdown. # Solution: The filling will be needed to be replaced eventually. Know the best solution for your sensitivity issues
5. You’ve undergone a dental procedure:
Some sensitivity is common after certain dental procedures like - root canal, extraction, or the placement of a crown. If the sensitivity doesn’t disappear after sometime there might me some other underlying cause. # Solution: If symptoms these don’t disappear, you should take an opinion as it could be a sign of excessive trauma to the tooth or a remaining infection.
6. You are intentionally or unintentionally grinding your teeth:
Grinding your teeth- a condition called bruxism can wear down the enamel. Doing so exposes the underlying dentin. Dentin contains the hollow tubes leading to your nerves causing sensitivity. It is more common to grind teeth at night or under stress. This type of sensitivity will generally be associated with soreness of the face on waking up in the morning. # Solution: A mouth guard that you can wear while you sleep might be helpful. Another suggestion is to incorporate more de-stressing lifestyle changes into your day like exercising, meditation, and more. Find out if you need a mouth guard.
7. You use tooth whitening products:
Both at-home whitening kits and in-office teeth whitening procedures can cause some temporary tooth sensitivity. People will pre-existing sensitivity can be more susceptible to it. Tooth-whitening chemicals might be added to toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others. # Solution: If your toothpaste contains whitening agents, consider switching to one that doesn’t. Do not to get tooth whitening done very often. Sensitive teeth can be a warning sign of potential serious dental health problems such as worn fillings, an exposed root, or gum disease. The underlying cause should be figured out and be treated at the earliest.
