Don't Be So Sensitive: Tooth Sensitivity Causes

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Sensitive teeth can be highly uncomfortable, especially when you struggle with persistent problems due to temperature, types of food, and more. If you have been experiencing sensitive tooth problems for some time and are considering contacting your dentist, you may want to have some idea of what could be causing it first. Here are a couple of things that can lead to sensitive tooth issues.

Too Much Acid

Acid exposure can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to severe sensitivities. If you are the type to eat lots of acidic foods, like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and things with a lot of vinegar, that could be the cause of your problem. Reduce or eliminate the acid-containing foods in your diet and see if this may ease your discomfort.

Whitening Agents

At-home teeth whitening kits have become increasingly popular as everyone is striving for a bright white smile without the professional whitening price tag. Unfortunately, while these kits may lighten the color of your teeth, they can also cause significant tooth sensitivity. The chemical compounds used for the whitening agents can actually thin your enamel and irritate your teeth, causing you persistent sensitivity problems.

Brushing Aggressively

If you use a hard bristle toothbrush or you scrub your teeth particularly hard, it can actually irritate your teeth. Brushing excessively hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles will gradually wear away the enamel on your teeth, exposing the dentin beneath. When the dentin is exposed, that also makes the nerves in your teeth more exposed to the environment, which is what leads to your sensitivity problems.

Grinding Teeth

Grinding your teeth can be damaging to their surfaces. Many people grind their teeth in their sleep, and eventually that grinding action will cause your teeth to lose enamel. As that happens, it increases the sensitivity of your teeth and causes you pain and other discomfort. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth at night, you can wear a mouth guard that will help prevent it.

Mouthwash Use

If you use a lot of mouthwash, that can also cause sensitive teeth. The alcohol and chemicals found in many mouthwash products will erode the enamel on your teeth. While some mouthwash is okay, excessive use can be problematic. Talk with your dentist about the best mouthwash to use to minimize your sensitive tooth problems.

The more you understand about sensitive teeth, the easier it is for you to address the problem. You can minimize your discomfort by eliminating the source of your sensitivity and talking to your dentist about treatment options.


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