What Does It Mean When Teeth are Sensitive?

Do you have pain or discomfort when consuming beverages or foods that are cold, hot or sour?

What about when you floss or brush?

Teeth are sensitive to many factors, having sensitive teeth is a common dental issue. Learning how to manage the pain and avoid triggers is the best way to live with this condition.

What is the reason for sensitive teeth?

Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Over-brushing: Brushing the teeth too hard might break down enamel or irritate the gum line. This exposes nerves which carry pain down into the tooth’s pulp. Use soft, gentle movements when brushing and do not brush for too long.

Cracked teeth: A chip or crack in the tooth might expose the underlying dentin. The tooth can fill with bacteria from plaque, creating inflammation in the nerve.

Teeth grinding: People often unknowingly grind their teeth, especially while sleeping. Over the years, this could expose dentin and erode enamel.

Gum disease: Gum disease causes tooth decay which breaks down enamel. It can also lead to infection which could hurt the tooth's roots or cause the gum line to recede.

Tooth whitening: Using bleaching products with baking soda or peroxide can aggravate exposed roots or dentin. Consult your dentist for other teeth whitening options.

Age: Studies have indicated that tooth sensitivity often begins in people between the ages of 25 and 30. That does not mean a child cannot develop sensitive teeth.

It is possible to experience tooth sensitivity after routine dental treatments like the placement of a crown, tooth restoration, or teeth cleaning. Such sensitivity is temporary. That said, consult your dentist if the pain does not stop after four to six weeks.

How do you take care of sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity is usually treatable, but each cause of pain requires a different treatment. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Here are a few remedies to take advantage of at home:

• Try a desensitizing toothpaste which has chemicals that block sensations like cold and heat from reaching the nerves in the teeth
• Try a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be gentler on both the gums and teeth
• Change to a fluoride mouthwash
• Stay away from acidic foods like tomatoes, tea and citrus fruits
• Avoid biting into cold foods like ice cream
• Floss regularly to remove harmful bacteria

When is it time to see a dentist?

Depending on the severity and cause of the sensitivity, you may need to receive professional treatment. If suffering from unbearably sensitive teeth, please be sure to contact a dentist. Use your dental appointment to discuss what is wrong and determine the best way to address the problem.

There are a few common reasons for tooth sensitivity, and if you are experiencing pain, it may be due to one of the above sensitive teeth causes. Take some time to discover what triggers your tooth sensitivity so that you can stay ahead of the pain.

Request an appointment to discuss your sensitive teeth in our Trophy Club dentist office here: https://trophysmilestudio.com.