Tooth sensitivity results from various factors, including enamel erosion, receding gums, and exposed dentin. But don’t worry. There are ways to prevent or treat tooth sensitivity. This article will explore the causes of tooth sensitivity and offer some solutions. Keep reading to learn more.
Causes of Sensitivity
Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from sensitive teeth.
There are a number of reasons why your teeth may be sensitive. The following will help you understand more.
Tooth Erosion
One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is tooth erosion. Tooth erosion occurs when the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears away. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Acids in food and drinks
- Acid reflux
- Vomiting
- Excessive brushing
Receding Gums
Another common cause of tooth sensitivity is receding gums. Receding gums occur when the gum tissue around your teeth starts to pull back, exposing more of your tooth. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Brushing too hard
- Gum disease
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
If you have receding gums, you may notice that your teeth look longer than they used to. You may also experience pain when brushing or eating hot or cold foods and drinks.
There are a few ways to treat and prevent receding gums, including:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Gently floss your teeth
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings
- Eating a healthy diet
Exposed Dentin
Another common cause of tooth sensitivity is exposed dentin. Dentin is the inner layer of your teeth and is normally covered by enamel. However, if your enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Brushing too hard
- Grinding your teeth
- Dental procedures (such as tooth whitening)
If you have exposed dentin, you may notice that your teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. You may also notice that your teeth look yellow or translucent.
There are a few ways to prevent or treat exposed dentin, including:
- Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Limiting acidic foods and drinks
- Wearing a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
Brushing Excessively
One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is brushing too hard. When you brush your teeth too hard, you can wear away the enamel, exposing the inner layer of your teeth. This can cause pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.
There are a few ways to prevent this from happening, including:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Limiting acidic foods and drinks
- Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste
- Avoiding overbrushing
Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are a few ways to treat it. The following are some of the most common treatments:
Using a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, one of the best ways to treat it is using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. There are a number of these toothpaste on the market, and they all work by coating your teeth with a protective layer that helps reduce sensitivity.
If you are looking for a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, be sure to look for one that contains the following ingredients:
- Abrasive particles (such as silica) to help remove plaque and bacteria
- Fluoride to help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay
- Sodium lauryl sulfate to help clean your teeth and remove any built-up plaque or bacteria
- Stannous fluoride to help reduce inflammation and sensitivity
Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Another way to treat tooth sensitivity is by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to avoid any further damage to your teeth and gums and will also help to remove any plaque or bacteria that may be causing the sensitivity.
If you are looking for a soft-bristled toothbrush, be sure to look for one that has the following features:
- Soft, rounded bristles like a bamboo toothbrush
- A small head so that you can reach all areas of your mouth easily
- An ergonomic handle so that you can grip it comfortably
Flossing Gently
Gently flossing your teeth is another way to treat tooth sensitivity. This will help to remove any plaque or bacteria that may be causing the sensitivity.
If you are looking for gentle floss, be sure to look for one made of either nylon or PTFE. These materials are designed to be gentle on your gums and teeth and will not cause further damage.
Diet Change
One of the best ways to prevent tooth sensitivity is by changing your diet. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the amount of damage that is done to your teeth.
Some of the foods and drinks that you should avoid if you have sensitive teeth include:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
If you are looking for a list of foods to avoid, check with your dentist or oral health care provider. They will be able to give you a complete list of what to avoid based on your individual needs.
Regular Dental Checkups
Another way to prevent tooth sensitivity is by visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. This will help to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth and will also help to identify any problems that may be causing the sensitivity.
If you are looking for a dentist, be sure to find one that is experienced in treating sensitive teeth. They will be able to give you the best possible care and treatment based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that a number of different things can cause. However, there are a few ways to prevent it from happening, and there are also a number of treatments that can help reduce the sensitivity. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist about the best way to treat it. They will be able to give you the best possible care based on your individual needs. Thanks for reading!