5 Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after I decide to switch up my oral hygiene routine, I find myself with a little bit of sensitivity to my teeth and Artistic Touch Dentistry wants you to be aware of what might be triggering sensitivity to your teeth. WebMD says that you are at risk for sensitive teeth if: you brush too hard, you eat acidic foods, you grind your teeth, you use tooth-whitening toothpaste, or you have excessive plaque.

You Brush Too Hard

Sometimes tooth sensitivity can come from brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed to hot or cold or to acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can be the result. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.

You Eat Acidic Foods

If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods can cause you pain. Examples of acidic foods include: tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles. Stick to foods with low acidity to avoid any extra pain.

You Grind Your Teeth

I’m guilty of this on occasion, when I become stressed and overwhelmed I grind my teeth in by sleep. This causes my teeth to become extremely sensitive because grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel. By doing so, you expose the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. A mouth guard can help you from grinding your teeth during your sleep.

You Use Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste

Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to the toothpaste formulas and some people happen to be more sensitive to these chemicals. If your toothpaste could be to blame for tooth sensitivity, consider switching toothpastes.

You Have Excessive Plaque

The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. An excessive build-up of plaque can cause your enamel to wear away. Again, your teeth can become more sensitive as they lose their enamel protection. The solution is to practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist for cleanings every six months — or more frequently if necessary.

Tooth sensitivity, although extremely frustrating and painful, is treatable. Using toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth may help you. If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what you do, call our office at Artistic Touch Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maryam Brazdo or Dr. Janice Wahl to see what could be causing you this pain.