Sensitive teeth are an annoyance; they make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite hot and cold goodies, like ice cream, coffee, and other treats. If you’ve never struggled with sensitive teeth before, but now you’re suddenly in pain whenever your pearly whites get exposed to extreme temperatures, you might be scratching your head as to why you’re facing this problem. Your dentist in Westminster lists 12 possible causes behind this irksome issue.
Your Quest for a Whiter Smile
Sensitivity is a side effect of many teeth bleaching products. It’s usually temporary, but you still need to be careful not to overuse whitening strips or bleaching gels so you don’t accidentally cause long-term problems for your teeth.
Your Diet
Eating a lot of hard or acidic foods can damage tooth enamel, making it easier for hot and cold substances to irritate the sensitive inner layers of your teeth.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth is essential, but you might end up damaging your enamel if you’re too enthusiastic about your oral hygiene routine. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and always be gentle when you’re cleaning your chompers.
Snacking on Ice
Ice is a crunchy, calorie-free snack, but it’s very bad for your teeth. It’s so hard that it may crack your enamel or wear down your teeth over time, thereby leading to sensitivity.
Gum Problems
When your gums recede or you develop gum disease, you may find that your teeth become more sensitive.
Decay
Even a little cavity can expose the inner layers of your tooth and lead to sensitivity. You may need to head to your dentist in 80234 to get a filling.
Dental Work
Some dental procedures cause the pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth) to become swollen, which can increase sensitivity. This usually goes away after a few days or weeks.
Split Tooth
When a tooth gets broken or cracked, it may become extremely sensitive. This is often a dental emergency that requires immediate attention.
Eating or Digestive Disorders
The frequent vomiting that accompanies certain disorders exposes the teeth to a lot of acid, which can wear away tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.
Sinus Problems
A sinus infection causes swelling that may make your teeth more sensitive than usual.
Cold Weather
The frigid air of wintertime can irritate your teeth, triggering twinges of sensitivity.
Stress
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common side effect of stress. The constant grinding can damage tooth enamel and thereby lead to sensitivity.
Conquering Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth experience sudden sensitivity, you shouldn’t dismiss the problem lightly. It’s important to visit your dentist so they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend a treatment. You may need something as simple as a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste, or you may require some major dental work. In any case, the goal is to get your smile back to feeling great.
About the Dentist
Drs. Terry Batliner is a Colorado native who loves to help his patients enjoy all the benefits of a healthy smile. He offers a wide range of services and would be happy to help you deal with tooth sensitivity or any other oral health concern you may have.