There are many reasons why your teeth could hurt, let’s take a look at the Nine most common reasons of Tooth sensitivity. Sometimes, sensitive teeth are simply something that goes along with aging. However, sometimes it can indicate a more serious condition.
The teeth can lose their protective covering when exposed to certain types of stimuli like cold and heat. As a result of that, the nerves within the teeth lose their buffer. The natural result of this is sensitivity when stimulated and this is what gives rise to a brief sensation or pain.
9 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Do you feel a sharp pang of pain every time you have ice cream or taste a spoon of hot soup? Or Do you wince while brushing or flossing? This can be a sign of tooth sensitivity.
The good news is you can reduce tooth sensitivity easily by changing a few habits, or by visiting your dentist.
- Brushing the teeth too hard
- Consumption of the Acidic Foods and drinks
- Grinding of the Teeth during sleep
- Using Tooth-whitening Toothpaste
- Excessive Plaque Build-up
- Dental Procedures
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth
- Thinning Tooth Enamel
- Receding Gums.
Thinning Tooth Enamel
Worn tooth enamel is common, and can expose the nerves close to the surface in your teeth. When you eat or drink something very hot or cold, it hits those nerves, and you’ll feel a flash of pain.
Brushing your teeth too hard, consuming very acidic foods and drinks, and other things can contribute to wearing down your tooth enamel.
Receding Gums
As you age, your gums begin to wear down, causing gum recession. Gum recession exposes the top portions of the roots of your teeth, causing pain. Moreover, receding gums leave you more vulnerable to tooth infections.
Sensitive teeth and gums can also be a sign that you’re developing gingivitis, or gum disease. Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. If the gum disease becomes a problem, your dentist can emerge with a plan for treating the real issue behind it and can also advise teeth sealing procedure or bleeding gum treatment to protect your pearly whites from sensitivity.
- Brushing the Teeth Too Hard
At times, tooth sensitivity can occur from brushing the teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over the time, the protective layers of the teeth are worn down because of that and the microscopic hollow canals or tubes are exposed that lead to the dental nerves. When the tubes are exposed to the sticky foods or extreme temperatures, it can result in tooth sensitivity and discomfort. The solution to this is being gentle while brushing and switching to a softer toothbrush.
Consumption of the Acidic Foods and drinks
When exposed to the acidic foods like lemon, tomato sauce, grapefruit or pickles it can cause discomfort to your teeth. The teeth enamel acts as a protective layer and the acid works as the most threatening nemesis. Thus, your tooth enamel is at great risk of sensitivity if you are having a lot of acidic and sugary substances.
Grinding of the Teeth During Sleep
As the enamel is the most durable substance in the body, it can withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. That said, if you grind the teeth you are bound to wear the enamel down eventually, as a result of which the hollow tubes of the nerves can get exposed. So if you are grinding the teeth at night, your dentist can offer a customized mouthguard that is intended in a way to fit the bite. If you are grinding the teeth even during the day you should talk to the dentist regarding the behavioral strategies that you can embrace for getting rid of the problem.
Using Tooth-whitening Toothpaste
While everyone wants a bright, white smile, most people don’t realize tooth whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity. Tooth pain caused by bleaching is usually temporary.
Your toothpaste can be the source of sensitivity for you. The tooth-whitening toothpaste contains chemicals that can make the teeth susceptible to sensitivity. So you should switch to desensitizing toothpaste or those that are designed for treating sensitive tooth. However, other types of tooth pain require a visit to the dentist.
Excessive Plaque Build-up
The excessive build-up of plaque can wear the enamel away that makes the teeth very sensitive. The solution to this is maintaining your oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing in the proper manner after you eat so that the plaque is removed. Apart from that, you should also adhere to good quality dental care and opt for professional dental cleaning every six months.
Some Dental Procedures may Cause Tooth Sensitivity
It is common to experience some form of sensitivity if you had an extraction, a crown fitted or a root canal procedure recently. However, after a couple of weeks, such sensitivity usually disappears. But if it does not fade away after some time, you must visit the dentist as that can be a sign of infection.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can give rise to a kind of pain that can go much beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to observe your teeth closely and suggest you the right treatment procedure that can include extraction or cap according to the requirements.
Conclusion
A throbbing or sharp toothache that persists could be a sign of serious tooth decay or even an abscess. Migraine headaches that seem to go into your teeth are also a symptom that could indicate a more serious condition. Finally, if you have a fever and a toothache, that’s a strong indicator that you have some type of gum or tooth infection. However, if you have already started to go through this issue then see the dentist immediately so that the cause can be treated before it takes an ugly turn.
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Plaque and calculus are the two types of deposits that adhere to teeth and are the primary causes of gum disease. While they may sometimes be discussed interchangeably, there is a clear difference between the two forms of buildup and how they affect your oral health.