Have you noticed that breathing in on a cold winter’s day makes your teeth hurt? You could have tooth sensitivity in Bowmanville. Other signs of sensitive teeth include noticing that eating anything hot or cold or very sweet or sour foods makes your teeth twinge uncomfortably. Some people find the discomfort is relatively mild, while it can cause significant pain and discomfort for others.
Tooth sensitivity is incredibly common, and several factors can cause it. Usually, tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth that normally protects it, becomes damaged somehow. The enamel protects the dentin underneath, which is considerably softer and more easily eroded. When enamel is damaged, sensations created when you eat or drink anything or breathe in on a cold day are more easily transmitted to the tooth nerve at the centre of the tooth.
There is a range of situations that can cause this condition and which include:
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
It is possible to brush your teeth too hard, damaging your tooth enamel, so it becomes thinner and gradually erodes. At the same time, over-brushing can damage your gum tissue so that your gums gradually recede, starting to expose your tooth roots. Unlike your teeth, your tooth roots aren’t protected by tooth enamel, so when they are exposed to any unpleasant sensations, these more easily reach the tooth nerve.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
It’s not unusual to clench and grind your teeth occasionally, especially when frustrated or angry, but it’s a more persistent habit for some people and often occurs during sleep. Clenching and grinding, a condition called bruxism, can significantly damage tooth enamel, chipping and wearing it down, exposing the dentin.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria in the mouth, and it creates inflammation in the gum tissues. Without prompt treatment, gum disease can cause gums to pull away from teeth, exposing tooth roots and increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Untreated Cavities
Tooth decay is a common problem, and if you have an untreated cavity, unpleasant sensations can penetrate your tooth more easily. The same thing can occur if you lose a dental filling in Newcastle or have a filling that is crumbling away.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening in Clarington is extremely popular and can significantly improve the colour of teeth quite quickly. However, improperly using over-the-counter products can result in tooth sensitivity as these products are quite harsh. Also, any untreated dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay can increase the risk of tooth sensitivity.
If you are interested in whitening your teeth, it’s always best to have a dental checkup first as we can make sure your teeth are healthy and strong enough for treatment and that it will provide the results you desire. Our dentists at West Bowmanville Family Dental can use professional-strength whitening products not available to the general public, and that will whiten your teeth effectively and safely. These products often contain added ingredients to reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth in Courtice, make an appointment to come and see us, especially if it has been a while since your last dental checkup. We can provide appropriate treatment for any problems, including bruxism, gum disease, and tooth decay, and ensure you have an excellent daily oral care routine. Otherwise, we can discuss using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The toothpaste contains ingredients that block unpleasant sensations from reaching the tooth nerve, but it does need to be used for several weeks to gain the full benefits.
