If your teeth feel funny whenever they come in contact with a hot or cold beverage or when you brush your teeth, you might be experiencing tooth sensitivity. This can occur when your tooth enamel has been damaged. Here we’ll take a look at the causes and some treatments for tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be caused from a variety of factors. However, it almost always boils down to weakened tooth structure. Enamel usually becomes weak due to lack of oral hygiene, brushing too hard, poor diet (sugar and acid cause enamel to wear down), use of tobacco products, or certain medications.
5 Ways to Address Tooth Sensitivity
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Wear a mouthguard
- Visit your dentist
- Eat a balanced diet
A temporary way to bring relief to your sensitive teeth is to use toothpaste that is made just for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually contain ingredients that help strengthen your enamel.
Your toothbrush can be abrasive on your teeth, especially if you brush too hard. A soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent damage to your enamel, especially if you use the proper brushing technique, which involves small, brisk circles versus dragging your brush back and forth.
If you grind your teeth at night, you might experience increased sensitivity due to the damage to your enamel. Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep can keep your teeth protected if you continue to grind them at night. Apart from a mouthguard, you can also try different stress relief techniques like deep breathing to curb your teeth grinding.
Sensitive teeth can be a symptom of gum disease, which occurs when plaque and bacteria grow under the gumline and cause the gums to slowly separate from the teeth. It’s always better to catch and treat gum disease in its earliest stages. A regular cleaning and exam with Summit Family Dentistry can rule out the potential for gum disease.
Your teeth demineralize and remineralize throughout the day. Eating a diet full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals can support the healthy remineralization of your tooth enamel and eliminate sensitivity.
Affordable Dental Care in Littleton, CO
Don’t let sensitive teeth stop you from having a beautiful, healthy smile! Our comprehensive services at Summit Family Dentistry will help you feel comfortable again in no time. Visit our financial page to learn more about how we keep our various treatments affordable for the whole family and contact us to schedule your appointment today!
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