Common Reasons You’re Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity

If you are experiencing pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. But what causes this? Here, we’ll explain the common reasons for why you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity.

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing your teeth too aggressively can cause your enamel to wear away, which in turn causes your teeth to become more sensitive. This is because the enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that is there to protect the more vulnerable parts of your teeth. Therefore, if you’re brushing too aggressively and weakening your enamel, you’re making those more sensitive parts–such as the microscopic tubes and canals that lead to your tooth’s nerves–more susceptible to the elements like cold and hot foods and drinks.

Grinding Teeth

If you are grinding your teeth regularly, this could be the cause of your tooth sensitivity. While your enamel is strong, if you are habitually grinding your teeth, the enamel can slowly and gradually wear away. This exposes the canals, tubes, and even the dentin of your teeth. Dentin is a very sensitive layer that’s directly below your enamel so without the enamel your dentin can come into contact with elements that cause your teeth to feel sensitive

Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth whitening products contain chemicals that some people may find themselves sensitive to. If you are using whitening strips or gels or even whitening toothpaste and are experiencing tooth sensitivity, you should call us to discuss whether you should stop the whitening process permanently or temporarily. 

Recent Dental Treatment

Those who have just undergone a dental treatment can sometimes experience tooth sensitivity. Usually this is when they’ve just gotten a crown placed, had an extraction done, or had to have a root canal. While this feeling most often goes away after a short period of time, if it doesn’t there could be another reason for the sensitivity that could include an issue with the dental treatment so be sure to call us if this is the case.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is another cause for tooth sensitivity. When you have gum disease or even if you are of an older age, your teeth recede. This causes tooth sensitivity because it exposes your sensitive dentin.

An Abundance of Plaque

A large amount of plaque can also cause tooth sensitivity. If plaque has built up on your teeth, it can wear away at your enamel to expose the dentin below. Keep plaque at bay with daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular checkups and cleanings.

Tooth Sensitivity?

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, contact us to schedule an appointment. We can help!