Is tooth sensitivity causing you discomfort and pain? Here are the 5 biggest causes of tooth sensitivity and some simple tips from our Calgary dentist on how to avoid them.
Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable, yet a common dental problem, that involves discomfort or pain in the teeth when encountering certain substances and temperatures. A range of things can trigger a twinge or tooth pain for people with sensitive teeth, including:
- eating cold food or drinking cold drinks
- eating hot foods or drinking hot drinks
- eating sugary or sour foods
- breathing in cold air
- brushing teeth
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5 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Does drinking an ice cold drink cause you tooth discomfort? Do you find yourself wincing when you brush or floss? Then you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. The good news? You don’t have to put up with the pain!
There are many things you can do to lessen tooth sensitivity and improve your oral health. Here are 5 reasons why you may be experiencing this dental problem and the steps you can take to find some relief:
1. You Brush Too Hard
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, doing this can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the canals leading to your dental nerves. When this happens and the tubes are exposed to extreme temperatures or acidic foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can result.
What to do: The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush that has softer bristles and remember to be more gentle when brushing your teeth.
How To Properly Brush Your Teeth
2. You Eat Acidic Foods
If the pathways to your dental nerves are exposed, acidic foods can cause some pain and discomfort. Try to avoid foods such as:
- Tomato sauce
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Pickles
What to Do: By making some simple changes to your diet and being careful what you eat, you can eliminate any discomfort or frustrating pain that comes with tooth sensitivity.
3. You’re a Tooth Grinder
Despite the fact that tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our bodies, grinding your teeth can wear it down. By doing so, the dentin (middle layer of the tooth), which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves, is exposed.
In fact, tooth grinding can lead to a number of other undesirable symptoms such as:
- headaches and earaches
- pain and stiffness in the jaw joint
- facial pain
- disrupted sleep
What to do: Talk to your Calgary dentist about a custom mouth guard that can stop you from grinding.
4. You’ve Got Gum Disease
Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age, especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health, can be a cause of tooth sensitivity. Not only will gum recession leave you with sensitive teeth, it can also make you look much older.
What to do: Your dentist can help you come up with a treatment plan to treat the underlying disease. They may also suggest a procedure to seal your teeth.
5. You Have Excessive Plaque
Flossing and brushing are important daily habits because they remove plaque that forms after you eat. If you fail to do this and excessive plaque builds up, it could cause your tooth enamel to wear away. As your teeth lose this protection from the enamel, they become more sensitive, causing you discomfort every time you eat or drink cold/hot foods and drinks.
What to do: Practice good dental care and visit your dentist for teeth cleanings every 6 months, or more frequently if necessary.
Call Today
Is tooth sensitivity causing you pain and frustration? It doesn’t have to be that way! For your treatment options, contact our Calgary dentists today at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
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