Do You Have Sensitive Teeth? 6 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Are your teeth a little touchy? You might have sensitive teeth.

Many adults start to experience tooth sensitivity between the ages of 20 to 40, but having sensitive teeth can is something you can experience at any aWhen you routinely begin to have dental pain or discomfort when you eat or drink something cold or hot, or even when you floss or brush your teeth, you may suffer from tooth sensitivity. The experience can be temporary or it could be an on-going issue. The sensation can affect one tooth, a few, or many teeth.

So, why are your teeth suddenly so sensitive? There could be several possible causes, such as your diet, your oral hygiene, or even another dental issue could be the cause.

Here are some typical culprits that could make your teeth a little touchy.

6 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. You Grind Your Teeth
   Your tooth enamel is stronger than bone, but the chronic grinding of your teeth will eventually wear it down. When your tooth enamel thins, this exposes the dentin, or the middle layer of your tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. This contributes to tooth sensitivity. You may not be aware that you grind your teeth. Many people grind their teeth when they sleep. If you suspect that you grind your teeth, we will examine your teeth for any signs of damage during your dental exam. If you are grinding your teeth, you’ll benefit from one of our custom designed night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep.
2. You Brush Too Hard
   Brushing your teeth too vigorously, or using a hard bristled toothbrush, will cause more harm than good. Doing either of these, or both, will eventually wear away the protective layers of your teeth, and it can expose the microscopic canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these nerves are exposed to extreme temperatures, tooth sensitivity (and pain!) can follow. Consider a softer, gentler approach to your oral hygiene routine. Brush with less pressure, and switch to a toothbrush with softer bristlers.
3. Your Diet is High in Acidity
   When the nerves of your teeth are exposed, consuming acidic foods will contribute to your tooth discomfort. If you consume a lot of foods like tomato sauce, kiwi, pickles and citrus, even soft drinks, you may want to ease up on some of these acidic foods/drinks to lessen your tooth sensitivity.
4. Your Fillings are Damaged or Worn
   Sometimes older fillings may weaken and break. They may also begin to ‘leak’ around the gaps between the filling and the tooth. When this happens, bacteria from the food you eat or drink can sneak through these tiny crevices and cause problems. If you’ve experienced on-going tooth sensitivity recently, a leaky filling could be the culprit. Fortunately, this is usually an easy treatment by replacing your old filling with a new, composite (tooth colored) one.
5. You Have Built Up Plaque
   Plaque is the sticky film that forms on your teeth. When plaque builds up, the bacteria in it produce acids that can weaken and erode your tooth enamel. As your enamel wears away, the more sensitive inner layers of your teeth can become exposed, contributing to tooth sensitivity. Plaque buildup can also contribute to gum inflammation and gum disease, which may cause your gums to recede and expose sensitive tooth roots.What to do? Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to help keep plaque under control. And don’t skip your routine dental cleanings! Regular professional cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing can’t remove on their own, helping keep your teeth and gums healthy.
6. You Have Dry Mouth
   Saliva does more than just keep your mouth moist. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect your teeth from enamel erosion and decay. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, your teeth can become more vulnerable to cavities, enamel wear, and exposed dentin — all of which can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, dehydration, certain medical conditions, or simply breathing through your mouth. If your mouth often feels dry or your teeth have suddenly become more sensitive, let us know. We can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and recommend ways to protect your teeth.

Have Sensitive Teeth? We’re Here to Help!

Tooth sensitivity is treatable. If you have sensitive teeth, practicing good daily oral hygiene can help reduce the sensitivity. But if your sensitivity increases and lingers, please call to schedule an evaluation so that we can treat it and reduce any discomfort.

Just call us at(206) 242-0066 to schedule an appointment or reach out to us online!