The Smile Daily

Does the thought of biting into a cold popsicle make you shudder? Do you wince in pain every time you sip on a warm beverage? If so, you might be like millions of other Americans who are also suffering from tooth sensitivity. Why are your teeth sensitive and what can you do to alleviate the pain? Here are 4 of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

You Grind Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth can be detrimental to tooth health and will oftentimes lead to tooth sensitivity. Whether you are grinding your teeth during the day due to stress or you’re doing it in your sleep, grinding wears down the enamel on teeth, exposing the dentin below. Dentin is filled with tiny hollow tubes called dentinal tubules that lead to nerves, so it’s easy to see why grinding can result in tooth sensitivity and pain. If you find that you are grinding your teeth on a regular basis, you might need to consider having a mouth guard custom made for your bite to avoid pain and most importantly, lasting damage to your teeth. Give our office a call at 555-555-5555 to schedule an appointment if you think you might be grinding your teeth.

You’re Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth and gums too vigorously is a common cause for tooth sensitivity. Just like grinding your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard also wears down the enamel on your teeth, exposing the sensitive layers below. Eliminate this cause by switching to a soft bristled toothbrush and try to be more aware of the force you are putting against your teeth each time you brush. In fact, hold your toothbrush like a pencil.  It’s more difficult to “scrub” when you are holding it this way.

Your Diet Consists of Too Many Acids

Consuming foods and beverages that are high in acid, like coffee, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, can lead to tooth sensitivity and even tooth erosion down the road. If you find that you are experiencing frequent sensitivity, consider reducing your intake of acids in your diet. Rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming foods and beverages high in acid and then brushing 20 minutes after you rinse will keep the acids from continuing to affect your teeth even after you are finished eating or drinking.

You Have Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause gums to recede, exposing more sensitive areas of the tooth. If you notice your gums are receding and causing tooth sensitivity when you brush, floss and eat, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible before more harmful damage results. Our office would be happy to schedule an appointment with you to see if gum disease is what’s causing your pain.Tooth sensitivity is treatable. First consider why you think you might be experiencing it, and if adjustments are made and you continue to feel pain, call our office to schedule an appointment and we’ll get right to work on alleviating your tooth pain.