Many individuals experience tooth sensitivity and it can occur for a variety of reasons. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity it is usually nothing too serious but here are some common reasons that your teeth may be sensitive.
Cavity
Cavities are often associated with pain, but some individuals feel tooth sensitivity or nothing at all. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surfaces of your teeth and develop into tiny holes. This can also be called tooth decay and can be the cause of your tooth sensitivity. Visiting your dentist can quickly tell you if you have a cavity and solve the problem and sensitivity quickly.
Teeth Grinding
Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in your body, but grinding your teeth often can wear down that enamel. Wearing down the top enamel on your teeth exposes the dentin or the middle layer of your tooth. This contains hollow tubes that lead to your nerves and could cause sensitivity. Your dentist can make suggestions on how to stop grinding your teeth and offer a night guard.
Acid From Food Or Other Acid
If your nerves are already exposed, eating acidic foods or beverages can cause pain. Eating acidic foods overtime can also slowly wear down tooth enamel. Food such as soda, tomato sauce, lemon, pickles, or other citrus fruit can cause your teeth to wear down and be prone to sensitivity.
Brushing twice a day can help prevent these acidic foods from wearing down your teeth. This prevents build up and keeps your teeth clean so as to not let the foods wear into your teeth.
Mouthwash Or Teeth Whitening
If you are an avid user of whitening products or mouthwash, some of these products contain alcohol which can make your teeth more sensitive. If your toothpaste contains whitening agents and you experience tooth sensitivity, consider switching to a different one. You can also switch to a mouth rinse that is neutral or ditch it all together and be more diligent about teeth brushing and flossing.
Gum Recession
Gum recession usually comes from gum disease. As new parts of your teeth are exposed it can cause sensitivity. Gum disease is something to have checked out by your dentist immediately as well before it progresses. Visiting your dentist to help heal or prevent gum disease can relieve the sensitivity. A dentist can also suggest that a seal be put on your teeth to keep the disease from recurring.
Broken Tooth
As mentioned earlier cavities create holes in your teeth where bacteria and other plaque can build up and cause pain. Broken or cracked teeth also have crevices that can become infected.
Even if the crack or broken tooth is not infected, a cracked tooth can cause pain. If you think you have cracked or broken your tooth, visit your dentist to see if a cap or extracting the tooth is necessary. Once the tooth is fixed, your sensitivity should go away.
Age
Most medical conditions increase with age, but tooth sensitivity is actually at its highest for adults between the age of 25 and 35.
Gunnell Family Dental
Our family dentistry provides many services to help keep your oral health in the best shape. If you don’t take care of your oral health, you can experience tooth decay or tooth loss. Regular visits with us can help prevent cavities or the need for dental surgery.
We offer services for your whole family and preventive care to keep your teeth from cavities and tooth sensitivity. With locations in Logan, UT and Hyrum, UT we can serve a majority of Utah residents.
Visiting the dentist may not be fun, but regular visits help you to avoid pain and discomfort. Our friendly staff well help you to be comfortable and get you in and out of our office with great service. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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