Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common problems among adults. You can experience a jolt of pain in your teeth when eating ice cream or drinking your favorite cup of hot coffee while on the way to work in the morning. In the winter, you may even feel tooth sensitivity while breathing through your mouth outdoors. The sensation is akin to nails scratching a chalkboard as it goes as deep as the nerve endings. There are several reasons why your teeth might feel sensitive.
- Brushing your teeth too hard or flossing between them too hard or too frequently can create the problem of the enamel in your teeth to wear down more quickly. Over time, you will begin to notice sensitivity as the dentin in the teeth becomes exposed. Your gums may also begin to recede, which means that the nerves and roots of your teeth can be exposed as well. This is largely where a good deal of tooth sensitivity stems from.
- In general, over time, your teeth will begin to feel sensitive. This is a normal part of aging, and many individuals experience it by the time they are in their thirties. As a normal part of aging, the gums begin to recede, which means that the nerves in the teeth begin to get exposed. Brushing your teeth directly on these particular spots will cause a jolt of sensitivity and even pain. Using a special toothpaste for this very issue can help to alleviate the sensitivity.
- Teeth whitening, whether you rely on products to whiten your teeth at home or visit your dentist for a procedure in office, can result in sensitive teeth.
- Eating too many foods that are acidic can lead to tooth sensitivity. Foods that contain a high amount of acid, such as citrus fruit, tea and coffee, can wear away at the enamel in the teeth and cause pain as a result.
- Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity. When you are suffering from a gum disease, it means that you have experienced too much of a buildup of bacteria or plaque beneath your gum line. This, in turn, can lead to weakness of the gums and bone loss as enamel is worn away and tooth roots may become exposed. Sensitivity comes because of the roots of the teeth spring to the surface of the gums.
Do you suffer from the pain of sensitive teeth? Call your dentist today so they can help you pinpoint the cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend the best treatment. If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area, you can trust your dental health to Dr. Paul Gonzales and the team at Bolivar Family Dental. Feel free to call us at (417) 777-8654 with any questions or concerns you may have about sensitive teeth.
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Woman Having Toothache
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