Do you live in terror of experiencing excruiciating pain and discomfort anytime you put caratinn foods in your mouth? You’re probably suffering from tooth sensitivity. This condition is one of the most common tooth issues people often complain of. The pain is often severe and abrupt. Eating certain substances, some beverages or foods at a particular temperature can trigger tooth sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a teeth infection. Gum recession and several other dental issues cause this temporary throbbing pain.
What Causes Teeth Sensitivity
The main cause of tooth sensitivity is nerve exposure. The Dentin is an absorbent tissue with microscopic pathways called tubules. The tubules create channels into the nerves that send pain signals to the brain. Exposure of these dentin tubules caused by weakening gum tissue makes your nerves highly sensitive to stimulus, which is what you experience as tooth sensitivity. This exposed layer responds sharply to different stimuli like hot, cold, sweet, or spicy leading to pain. This condition is grossly uncomfortable, but it is temporary.
Teeth sensitivity can improve with proper treatment. However, there is a need to learn the various causes of tooth sensitivity in order to understand how to truly care for your teeth. This guide will explain the top 10 causes of tooth sensitivity and how you can tackle these issues as prescribed by dental practitioners.
Harsh Brushing
Applying too much force while brushing doesn’t make your tooth cleaner. Instead, it damages your gum and exposes the roots of your teeth, leading to severe pain. Also, using a hard-follicle toothbrush over time can wear out your enamel faster, exposing your cementum or dentin to certain germs and bacteria that may cause teeth problems. You should brush your teeth gently and pay attention to the type of toothbrush you buy to avoid dental issues.
Receding Gum
The dentin is the layer under your enamel. Once the dentin becomes exposed, your teeth will become more sensitive. Gum recession is the exposure of the roots of your teeth caused by the gum tissues pulling away from the teeth surface. Some people often experience this type of dental problem because they have a thin enamel due to their genetics. Others experience it as a result of periodontal disease.
Excessive Usage of Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a great way to rinse your mouth of food particles and bacteria. However, not all rinses are beneficial. In fact, some mouthwash products do more harm than good. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are particularly problematic because they leave your mouth dry and more susceptible to bacteria in the long run. Many mouthwash products can worsen teeth sensitivity so if your dentine is exposed already, you should watch out for alcohol-based products and choose neutral fluoride rinses instead.
Gum Disease
Various times of gum infection can cause your gums to pull away from the surface of your teeth. When this happens, the highly vascularized teeth roots will become more exposed. For teeth sensitivity caused by gum disease, treating the underlying condition may help reduce the pain you feel. The dentist may also carry out a procedure to seal your teeth and cover up the exposed teeth root. .
Cracked Teeth
Avoid getting into situations that leave you with a cracked tooth. When the upper surface of your teeth is chipped, it exposes the more sensitive dentine and this makes it more likely to feel pain when exposed to a trigger. Also, the exposed area of teeth may become more vulnerable to bacteria from plaque. This may worsen the condition of your teeth and lead to sensitivity in the long run.
Teeth Whitening
Although not all teeth whitening solutions might result in tooth sensitivity, they occasionally play a significant role in it. In a bid to brighten their smile, many people end up using products that are quite acidic and potentially dangerous for their mouth. Teeth whitening products with a hydrogen peroxide concentration can weaken teeth and gum tissues and make them more sensitive. If you need teeth whitening treatment, the best approach is to go for an in-office treatment at our dental office or ask for recommended over-the-counter products that are safe to use. .
Eating Acidic Food
Some foods and beverages such as coffee, tomatoes, ice cream, tea, candies, pickles, alcoholic beverages, and especially citrus juice can cause an eroded enamel. Regular intake of foods and beverages with high acidic concentrations like this can make your teeth more sensitive.
Tooth Grinding
If you clench and grind your teeth regularly, you may wear away your enamel and end up with an exposed dentine. People grind their teeth for different reasons. Stress and anxiety are major causes of teeth grinding for some. People who experience sleep apnea or those taking certain medications like antidepressants may also suffer from teeth grinding. If you’re prone to teeth grinding, wearing a teeth guard before going to bed can help reduce the impact on your teeth.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not a direct cause of sensitive teeth and it doesn’t apply to everyone. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect a person’s gum and teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and the discomfort that comes with it. The hormone progesterone is produced in high amounts during. It may cause poor gum health or increase the risk of gum disease.
Dental Treatments
If you have recently gotten your teeth cleaned, you’re likely to experience tooth sensitivity for a few days or weeks. It usually improves after a while and the pain should be gone soon. If pain or discomfort persists after getting treatment, you should talk to your dentist to get your teeth checked.
Conclusion
Since several factors can cause teeth sensitivity, only a dental office visit can help you pinpoint the likely cause of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Visit our dental clinic in London, Ontario to speak to a professional and have your teeth checked for the potential causes of teeth sensitivity.
