If you are avoiding hot or cold food/drinks because your teeth are sensitive and it’s causing pain, it may be time to understand what could be causing your teeth to be sensitive. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among adults. It’s associated with pain that is sharp and sudden but doesn’t last long.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel of your teeth gets thinner and sometimes even gum recession occurs. Enamel is the protective layer of your teeth and once that gets thin or your gum recedes then the dentin or tooth roots can be exposed. Sensitive teeth can be from a variety of reasons, including:
- Thin tooth enamel from brushing with a hard toothbrush or brushing aggressively.
- Tooth erosion from acidic foods or drinks.
- Your teeth are starting to decay, or your filings are worn which is exposing the dentin of your teeth.
- Gum recession that is exposing your teeth’s roots.
- Grinding your teeth at night.
- You recently had a crown, filling, or a tooth bleaching.
Best Ways to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
The best thing you can do for your oral health and your overall health is to take care of your teeth which will help prevent any dental problems, like tooth sensitivity from occurring. Some of the things you should be doing are to brush your teeth daily. When you are brushing your teeth properly twice a day for two minutes it can reduce the chance of tooth sensitivity. You should also be flossing your teeth daily to get rid of plaque on the gumline and between teeth. Eat foods that are low in acid to keep your enamel strong.
If you are doing everything you can to prevent tooth sensitivity and your teeth are still very sensitive, you should have a conversation with your dentist at Paradise Dental. This is the first step of getting relief from your sensitive teeth. Treatment could be as simple as filling a cavity or replacing a filling that’s worn.
During your continued care appointment, let us know any problems that you are having with your teeth so we can make sure that your oral health is at it’s best. To schedule an appointment you can contact us online or at 781-780-2246.
