What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Does a sip of hot coffee or the taste of ice cream create a painful experience for you? Does flossing or brushing your teeth hurt? If the answer is yes, then you have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth make the tooth enamel thinner, and you feel a sudden sharp sensation after having something hot, sweet, or cold. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated, especially if you can figure out its causes. This article will shed light on what makes your teeth sensitive so that you can get rid of tooth sensitivity.

Top Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

The main reason for tooth sensitivity is when the dentine layer within the tooth becomes exposed. It mainly occurs because the tooth enamel (a tough shell) gets damaged. The dentine layer runs through the tooth’s nerve and contains many tiny holes. When this nerve is exposed, you become prone to tooth sensitivity and usually feel pain when taking acidic, hot, sweet, and cold foods and beverages. The top causes of tooth sensitivity are listed below:

• Forceful Brushing

Forceful brushing is very dangerous for your teeth because it wears down the tooth enamel and exposes the dentin layer. Therefore, never brush too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush to induce tooth sensitivity.

• Gum Disease or Gum Recession

Another cause of tooth sensitivity is either having gum disease or gum recession. Gum recession is a process in which the gum tissue pulls back or wears away and exposes either the tooth or the tooth’s root. When gum recession happens because of conditions like periodontal disease, it exposes the root surface and leads to tooth sensitivity.

Gum diseases also cause sensitivity when they become sore or inflamed. In either way, there is a loss of the supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface.

• Broken Teeth

Broken or cracked teeth cause tooth inflammation, and they get filled with bacteria that emerge from plaque build-up and lead to tooth sensitivity.

• Clenching of teeth

Tooth clenching or grinding exposes the dentin layer and wears down the tooth enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

• Excessive Use of Mouthwash:

Many types of mouthwash contain acids that are not good for your teeth, primarily if used on a long-term basis. These acids weaken your teeth and result in tooth sensitivity.

• Other causes:

1. The other causes of tooth sensitivity include:
2. Intake of acidic foods like pickles, citrus fruits, tomatoes, tea, etc.
3. Using tooth whitening products and different kinds of toothpaste.

Final Thoughts

Tooth sensitivity can go away if treated appropriately. However, it shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if you have been suffering from it for a long time. Otherwise, it will lead to a painful chewing experience, and you’ll be having long-term tooth discomfort. Visit your nearest dentist if you have tooth sensitivity so that it can be treated well on time. Always maintain good oral hygiene to avoid any tooth-related problems. After all, good oral health means better total body health.

Contact your dentist in Fairfield, Dr. Zhu at Freedom Dental to learn more about orthodontics benefits for adults.

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