Does eating frozen yogurt, slurping your favorite soup, biting down on a candy bar, or even rinsing your mouth with cold water cause sudden sharp pain that makes you jump out of your seat? If so, you could have tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth react to hot, cold, sweet and sour foods and drinks. The cause is usually exposed dentin, the hardened tissue just beneath the tooth’s enamel that contains microscopic channels leading to nerve fibers. The unprotected access to the nerves makes the teeth sensitive. There are many reasons why you might be experiencing this problem, here are some steps you should take to ease the pain:
- Aggressive Brushing. If you brush too hard or use a hard-bristle toothbrush, this can wear down the enamel. It can also cause the gums to recede, which can expose the root surface of the tooth which bears no protective enamel covering. Try using a toothbrush with softer bristles and be gentler when brushing, especially around the gum line.
- Acidic Foods. Eating foods with a high acid content such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and soda, can cause enamel erosion. Try to eliminate or avoid eating these foods.
- Grinding Your Teeth. This can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin. You may not even be aware that you grind your teeth at night. The best solution is to ask your dentist about a custom made mouth-guard.
- Tooth-Whitening Products. Excessive or improper use of tooth whitening products such as “white strips” and whitening toothpaste can be major contributors to tooth sensitivity. Try switching to a fluoride containing toothpaste and see if that helps. There are several brands of toothpaste available specifically for sensitive teeth and these can often give relief.
- Mouthwash Use. Some mouthwashes contain acids that can exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Discontinue the use of mouthwash and take extra care with flossing and brushing.
- Gum Disease. As you get older, receding gums are more common, especially if you have neglected your dental health. If this is the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist will need to treat the gum disease itself. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease and gum recession.
- Poor dental hygiene. The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. An excessive build-up of plaque can cause tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
- Decay around a filling. Over time, fillings can weaken and develop tiny leaks around the edges. Bacteria can build up in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown. Your dentist can easily replace old or loose fillings.
You don’t have to put up with the discomfort of sensitive teeth. If the recommended solutions do not resolve your sensitivity, see your dentist for further evaluation. There are several dental procedures that can be done including sealers, bonding, and fluoride varnishes. Only a dentist will be able to determine the cause of the sensitivity and recommend the best solution.
For more information or to schedule a personal consultation, please call Houska Dental Center at 309-662-9042 or visit them online at HouskaDentalCenter.com. They are located at 2433 Maloney Dr. in Bloomington and offer twenty-five years of exceptional dental care to the Bloomington-Normal area with expertise in general and cosmetic dentistry and oral snoring appliance treatment.