Does it hurt every time you drink a sip of your coffee or eat a bite of ice cream? We know how painful dental sensitivity can be! While there are a number of potential causes to your dental pain, there are also a number of solutions too. By determining the cause of your dental sensitivity with your dentist at Fairview Dental Group, we can quickly work to remedy the issue and get you back to eating your favorite foods again. Here are just a few of the reasons you might be experiencing dental sensitivity:
1. You may be over-brushing.
Did you know that plaque is actually soft and quite easy to remove? Therefore, you don’t actually need to brush too hard to properly clean your teeth. If you’ve been brushing too rigorously—particularly with a firm-bristled toothbrush— you might be wearing away the dental enamel in the process. This exposes the microscopic tubules beneath the surface of your enamel, providing direct access to the nerves within your tooth. To remedy the issue, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and go a bit easier during your twice-daily brushing!
2. You’re eating too many acidic foods.
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomato sauce, curry, pickles, etc. can be quite irritating to your teeth, particularly if your dental enamel is already worn away and the nerves are exposed. While avoiding these foods can ease your discomfort and prevent further decay, you’ll want to get your teeth checked to remedy any decay that may already be present.
3. You suffer from bruxism.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause a lot of damage to your teeth—including wearing down your dental enamel and causing sensitivity. Grinding your teeth in your sleep is often caused by stress and caffeine, though it can often be a chronic issue. If you think you may suffer from bruxism, talk to your dentist about getting a nighttime mouthguard to help prevent any further damage.
4. You use whitening products.
It is important to be cognizant of the whitening products you’re using on your teeth. Many manufacturers add chemicals to their toothpastes and other whitening products that can lead to sensitivity. If you’re experiencing dental pain, try switching your toothpaste and avoid any whitening products that could be harming your teeth.
5. Your gum line is receding.
As you age, you may experience a receding gum line—giving your teeth an elongated appearance. This can give outside stimuli direct access to the root of your tooth, causing sensitivity. This symptom can also be caused by gum disease, so be sure to address this issue with your dentist as soon as possible.
6. You have tooth decay.
Lastly, you may be experiencing dental sensitivity as a result of tooth decay. The bacteria in plaque release acids that wear down on your dental enamel and, if not removed, can lead to the decay of your tooth and cause sensitivity. This is also quite prevalent in those that have older fillings that may need to be replaced. Fillings, over time, can fracture or weaken, allowing plaque to build up in the crevices and cause decay. Luckily, these can be easily replaced to remedy your painful symptoms.
If you’re experiencing dental sensitivity, contact Fairview Dental Group right away to schedule your appointment and alleviate your pain.