5 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Does biting into an ice cream bar or taking a sip of an ice-cold beverage make you cringe in pain? Here are possible reasons you are experiencing tooth sensitivity:

Tooth Decay

Sensitivity that occurs when eating hot or cold foods and drinks can be an indicator of tooth decay or a cavity. Weakened or damaged tooth enamel exposes the underlying dentin layer, which contains tiny tubes connected to your tooth’s nerve endings. This means your tooth’s nerve is more likely to be stimulated by pressure and temperature, which can feel like irritation and pain to your brain.

Highly Acidic Diet

Our dental team strives to educate patients about the importance of a well-balanced diet. Strong teeth and healthy gums need sufficient vitamins and minerals for repair and healing. Consuming too many acidic and sugary foods and beverages like soda, candy, and other treats can result in weakened enamel. While these replace water and other more healthful foods, a chronically acidic environment in your mouth will weaken your teeth and irritate your gums.

Bruxism

Do you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw? You may be grinding your teeth at night. Although tooth enamel is strong, teeth grinding will quickly wear it down and increase your risk of sensitivity, discoloration, damage, and infection.

Gum Disease

Inflammation and recession of the gums can expose the roots of the teeth and make for an unpleasant experience when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

Brushing Improperly

Did you know brushing too hard can wear down your enamel and irritate your gums? Using anything other than a soft-bristled toothbrush can also erode your enamel and cause gum recession. Using an electric toothbrush with a built-in pressure sensor can help correct this bad habit.

Improve Your Oral Health with Alma Dental Care!

If you feel like you are experiencing more tooth sensitivity than normal, one of these may be the cause. At Alma Dental Care, we offer a wide variety of dental services to improve the health and appearance of your smile. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at our comfortable office!

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Categorised in: Oral Health, Preventive Dental Care