Your Dentist Shares the Top 10 Reasons Teeth Are Sensitive

If you feel a sudden twinge in your teeth, you should never ignore it—in fact, it’s time to investigate! Tooth sensitivity can be caused from many different things, and your dentist is here to help you unveil your dental problems “root” cause.

Your Dentist Shares the Top 10 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1.     There’s too much acid in your diet.

The enamel of your teeth is hard and protective to the rest of your smile. But, your tooth enamel can become eroded if exposed to too much acid. Be sure to moderate the acidic items in your diet.

2.     You’re dealing with too much stress.

Stress can wreak havoc on your body—even your smile. One way that the body copes with stress is teeth grinding (bruxism). Beware—tooth sensitivity is just the beginning when dealing with stress!

3.     You grind your teeth.

As mentioned above, sometimes stress or other conditions like misaligned teeth cause teeth to grind. Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, chronic teeth grinding can wear it down. Ask your dentist about the best treatments to help with teeth grinding.

4.     You brush your teeth too abrasively.

You only have one layer of tooth enamel—don’t abuse it! Use a gentle, soft bristled toothbrush when cleaning your teeth. Also, try not to scrub your smile, rather think of brushing your teeth as a nice massage for your teeth and gums.

5.     You have gum disease.

Gum recession comes along with advancing gum disease. When your gums recede, it can leave your tooth roots exposed and they’re very sensitive! If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist can develop a personalized gum disease treatment plan for you—even promoting healthy gum growth.

6.     You’re carrying a baby.

Although pregnancy may not directly cause your teeth to become sensitive, it can cause your body to be out of whack for a few months. There are many changes that your body goes through to support your pregnancy including discomfort in your mouth.

7.     Sinuses are affecting your teeth.

Yeah, even a sinus issue can cause sensitivity. A sinus infection can make your teeth hurt from the pressure and inflammation that it causes. Addressing your infection may help your teeth feel better.

8.     You’re obsessed with minty mouthwashes.

It’s true that the freshness that comes with using mouthwashes can be addicting, but you must use the safe ones. Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol (an extremely acidic substance that’s harsh on enamel). Instead, try neutral fluoride rinses.

9.     You can’t stop bleaching your teeth.

If you’re captivated with white teeth, it’s best to go to a dentist rather than relying on drugstore bleaching products. Rather than risking your tooth enamel, you can trust your dentist to lead you to a brighter, whiter smile with professional, safe teeth whitening.

10.  You’ve had dental work in the past.

Have you recently had a root canal, an extraction, or other dental work? While healing, your smile may become sensitive to hot or cold substances. If this persists, you need to seek assistance from your dentist.

You may be thinking that just about anything can cause tooth sensitivity. Judging by this list, you might be right. However, there is a silver lining: tooth sensitivity is completely treatable when you visit your dentist.

About Our Office

Here at the office of J. Peter St. Clair, DMD, we’re committed to creating a warm, caring, comfortable atmosphere for all our patients to receive the dental care they need. We take pride in providing the best techniques, products, and procedures for patients to achieve optimal oral health. Contact us to learn more today.