What Are The Causes Of Sensitive Teeth How To Prevent It

Does the taste of ice cream or some hot coffee bring a sharp shooting pain to your tooth? Do you feel some discomfort whenever you breathe some cold air, brush your teeth or consume sweet, sour, or cold food? If this is the case for you, then you have sensitive teeth. Thousands of people in Australia suffer from tooth sensitivity which can occur at any time. The pain resulting from a sensitive tooth is usually a sudden, sharp, and shooting pain.

This article will take a look at some of the causes of tooth sensitivity and what you can do to prevent it.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

– Bruxism or Tooth Grinding

Bruxism is a very common problem, especially amongst individuals who are suffering from anxiety or stress. In most cases, bruxism occurs at night during sleep. If you do grind your teeth at night, the condition may be difficult to diagnose though your dentist can examine your tooth for any signs of broken or worn-out tooth enamel.

– Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks are another major cause of tooth sensitivity. Foods and drinks such as sodas, red wine, acidic fruits, and energy drinks can eat away the enamel over time. A majority of people worsen this condition by brushing their teeth immediately after eating such foods. Foods and drinks that are acidic can weaken the enamel temporarily. So, brushing your teeth immediately after may cause scratches on the enamel.

– Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common problem mostly among the elderly. It is associated with symptoms such as bleeding immediately after brushing or flossing, sore gums, receding gums, and puffy and painful gums. Your dentist can easily tell if you are suffering from gum disease and can help you lessen or reverse the condition. As gum disease progresses, the gum pulls further away from the tooth. This, in turn, exposes the root of the teeth which has no protective layer of enamel. So, the teeth will experience sensitivity whenever it is exposed to certain factors such as a change in temperatures.

How to prevent Tooth Sensitivity

– Use Toothpaste Meant for Sensitive Teeth

Some types of toothpaste are formulated in a way that they can help relieve and even prevent any pain and discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity. Such toothpaste contains some special ingredients that can protect your teeth from sensitivity. Due to the many products available on the market, it can be a doubting task to choose the most appropriate one. Thus, it is important that you speak to your dentist to help you choose the most appropriate one.

– Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth can bring detrimental effects to your enamel. If you have such a problem, talk to your dentist to design a mouth guard for you.

– Reduce Taking Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks have a damaging effect on the enamel, making them more sensitive. Try and take healthy meals that can strengthen your enamel such as fish, eggs, and almonds.

Bottom Line:

If you constantly experience tooth sensitivity due to different reasons, it may be time to talk to your dentist about the available treatment options. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group for tooth sensitivity treatment. Our dentist will examine your teeth and diagnose the possible problem causing your sensitivity and the most appropriate way to treat the problem. Contact us today for more information.