Tooth sensitivity is the tooth’s response to stimuli. Almost everyone has experienced it at one time or another, and many people experience this regularly. It can be mild or severe and can last for a short or an extended time. Tooth sensitivity is not a disease, but it is a sign that something may be wrong.
So, what exactly causes tooth sensitivity, and how can we treat it? Read on to find out more about tooth sensitivity and tooth pain.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, whether it’s merely periodic or has already progressed to a chronic condition, may have a significant influence on our quality of life since it can cause us difficulties at work or ruin important big-picture events in our lives.
At Patuxent Orthodontics, we think of tooth sensitivity as a manageable dental condition if we understand what we’re up against and why it’s happening. With this in mind, our goal for today is to join you on a tooth-sensitivity-training excursion, assisting you in learning the most common reasons for this dental problem. After reading this article, you will be an expert on the causes of tooth sensitivity and how to prevent yourself from succumbing to a minor dental issue!
1. Damaged Teeth
If you have severe tooth discomfort, it’s probably due to a cracked or chipped tooth. The pain from sensitivity may be exacerbated by any significant damage to the tooth, such as chipping or cracking. In this instance, contact your general dentist as soon as possible to see whether a dental crown or extraction is the best option for you.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease or gingivitis can develop when plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth due to poor dental care. Gingivitis is the first step in gum recession, which occurs naturally in older patients and causes the gum tissue to retreat while also exposing the tooth root to bacteria, thus raising tooth sensitivity. If your dentist suspects that you have gum disease or gingivitis, they might suggest that you see a specialist for further treatment.
3. Acidic Foods
Any food particles can reach and trigger a painful reaction in your dentin once pathways have been created in your tooth enamel. The ones with the most acids in them will become your archenemies since they are more likely to give you acute pain episodes. As a result, we strongly advise against eating or drinking anything with a high acid content, such as tomato sauce, sports drinks, lemons, pickles, and wine.
4. Tooth Grinding
Yes, we’ve all had those times when we couldn’t stop grinding our teeth out of stress, irritation, or anxiety. The enamel that covers our teeth is the most durable substance in our body, and it protects the dentin and pulp from harm. However, tooth grinding can severely damage the enamel layer and expose your dentin to food particles and germs if adopted as a habit.
Make sure you get dental help from an orthodontist if you grind your teeth regularly so that you may avoid the long-term dangers of tooth grinding, such as holes in your teeth or gum recession.
5. Excessive Brushing
We frequently brush our teeth to obtain the optimum dental treatment for them. While our intentions may be good, it is vital to remember that we can obtain excellent dental care without putting excessive strain on our teeth.
Brushing too hard can wear away the enamel’s protective layer and expose microscopic canals that lead to dentin sensitivity, which is an unwanted effect.
If you’re aiming for a great smile, changing your “dental care behavior” is likely to help. Instead of excessively brushing your teeth (in a hurry, most likely), develop a timetable that allows you enough time to clean your teeth carefully and slowly. Furthermore, selecting a toothbrush with softer bristles might also aid this effort.
6. Improper Mouthwash and Tooth-Whitening Toothpasete
We frequently find ourselves in front of a plethora of toothpaste and mouthwash, attempting to figure out which product would best meet our dental requirements. Instead of looking at the price or hearing recommendations from people who aren’t trained, check to see whether the toothpaste and mouthwash you choose will make your sensitivity worse.
To prevent unnecessary cavities, avoid toothpaste that contains whitening chemicals or over-the-counter mouthwashes with a lot of alcohol. As a remedy, consider using regular toothpaste and non-fluoridated rinses.
7. Recent Dental Procedure
Dental care frequently results in minor tooth sensitivity when a tooth nerve is inflamed. Although the enamel and cementum protect the internal portion of the tooth, fillings that are too close to the nerve endings can produce mild discomfort. After a short time, this pain should subside; nevertheless, persistent pain indicates infection, necessitating a visit to your general dentist.
Treat Your Tooth Sensitivity at Patuxent Orthodontics!
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic care or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining your perfect smile and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
