A few things can ruin your day like a sensitive tooth. Those aching sensations, those quick stabs of pain can turn any good mood sour in the blink of an eye. If you want to avoid that kind of pain and discomfort, you’d do well to steer clear of the things that can cause it.
In addition, we know about the many different causes of tooth sensitivity at Imagine Dental. If you’re experiencing persistent pain and discomfort, we’d be happy to help ease your suffering. Here are six common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing your teeth is great for your oral health. However, brushing too hard can have the opposite effect. Even using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear your teeth down, exposing the hollow tubes that lead to your dental nerves. These exposed tubes are very sensitive to hot, cold, acidic, and sticky foods. You can ease this sensitivity by switching to a brush with softer bristles and being more gentle with your brush.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon, kiwi, grapefruit, and pickles can be a source of major discomfort. If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, these acids will seep in and cause pain. Acidic foods can also gradually wear down your teeth’s enamel, which can cause even more pain and discomfort in the future as it strips your teeth of its protective layers.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can wear down your enamel. The grind and pressure on your teeth strips away the enamel, exposing your dentin. Dentin is the middle layer of the tooth, which contains hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. Exposed dentin is a few steps away from exposed nerves.
Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
The tooth-whitening chemicals in some toothpastes can cause teeth sensitivity in some people. If you notice that your teeth are persistently sensitive after a whitening brush, you may want to consider switching to a different toothpaste.
Gum Disease
Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can be a serious oral health issue, so if you suspect that you have a form of it you should get it treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Excessive Plaque
An excessive build-up of plaque can wear away at your enamel. Your enamel protects your teeth. As your enamel wears down, your teeth gets more sensitive and prone to pain. Plaque can be usually get under control through dental cleanings and by regularly brushing and flossing at home.
In conclusion, get more information or schedule an appointment by giving Imagine Dental a call at 480-893-7733.
