Do you feel sudden twinges or shock-like pain every time you take a sip of ice cold beverage? Or do you wince while brushing or flossing your teeth?
Well, this could be a sign of tooth sensitivity. Exposure to stimuli like heat or cold causes the tooth to lose its protective covering. Thus, the nerves within the teeth lose their buffer and react when it’s stimulated. And this is what causes pain or a brief sensation.
However, you don’t have to take the pain any longer as there are things that you can do to lessen tooth sensitivity. Knowing the cause of tender teeth can be the first step to save yourself from your mouth malady.
If you are wondering what could be the cause behind the sudden discomfort in your tooth-
Read on to know several potential causes for your twinging teeth.
Brushing With Too Much Force
This is something we often do without realizing that it can wear down the protective layers of our teeth. Brushing too hard will gradually cause the gums to recede and expose the tiny tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves.
As a result, a sudden intolerance of cold or hot foods develops in your teeth. So, be gentle while brushing and use a toothbrush with softer bristles.
Consumption of Acidic Foods
When your tooth is exposed to acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon or pickles, it can cause discomfort. The enamel of your teeth acts as a protective layer and acid works as a most threatening nemesis for it. If you are eating a lot of acidic or sugary substances, your tooth might at risk of sensitivity.
The habit of Grinding Your Teeth
Are you a tooth-grinder? This habit can be a culprit behind your tooth sensitivity. Although the enamel of your tooth is the strongest substance in your body, grinding the teeth can wear down the enamel.
While grinding your teeth, you are wearing down and chipping the tooth enamel. Over time, it can lead to problems like tooth fracture and damaged tooth.
Use of Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste
Everyone wants their teeth to look flawless pearly white, and this is why they opt for tooth whitening toothpaste. But what they don’t realize is they are actually making their teeth more sensitive.
If you are one of those mouthwash junkies who use over-the-counter mouthwashes and whitening toothpaste, you can have a tooth discomfort. This is simply because of the powerful chemicals in the toothpaste and whitening agents.
If you have just changed your toothpaste and suddenly developed tooth sensitivity, switching toothpaste can make your sensitivity fade.
Gum Disease
Gums recede as you age and can result in tooth sensitivity. Also, brushing too hard can open a gap between the base of your enamel and gums.
This creates an attractive pocket for plaque and bacteria to grow and thrive. As a result, you can have weakening enamel and gum disease known as gingivitis. Such gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity.
An Excessive Buildup of Plaque
Excessive plaque can cause your tooth enamel to wear away while making it more sensitive. The solution is to floss and brush your teeth to remove plaque that forms after you eat.
Also, practice good daily dental care and go for a dental cleaning in every six month.
Dental Procedure
If you have just had a crown fitted, an extraction or root canal, it’s common to experience some sensitivity. However, such sensitivity usually disappears within a couple of weeks. But if it doesn’t fade away after a short time, you need to visit your dentist as it could be a sign of infection.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked or chipped or tooth triggers pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. Also, if there is decay around the edges of fillings, it can weaken and fracture with time and leak around the edges.
So, it becomes easier for the bacteria to hoard in these tiny crevices that cause acid buildup and enamel breakdown.
Final Thoughts
With the above causes of teeth sensitivity, working alongside your dentist to address the issue of sensitive teeth is essential.
Tooth sensitivity is treatable, and once you know where the issue is stemming from, it becomes easier to diminish the tooth sensitivity. If you are struggling with extreme tooth sensitivity in Chicago, be sure to see your dentist Chicago for evaluation.
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