If you have ever had tooth sensitivity in Bowmanville, you will already know it can be quite unpleasant. Biting into ice cream, frozen yogurt or sipping a soda can result in sudden tooth pain. Tooth sensitivity is not unusual; millions of adults worldwide experience these symptoms at some point during their lifetime.
What Triggers Tooth Discomfort and Sensitivity?
The main triggers are eating or drinking anything acidic, hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes breathing in cold air can be enough to cause tooth discomfort or brushing and flossing teeth that already feel sensitive. Usually, the pain is sharp and sudden and then disappears quite quickly. Most people are unaware of why they have sensitive teeth, but identifying the cause is essential to get to the root of the problem and find a viable solution.
Why Do Teeth Become More Sensitive?
The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is when the outer layer of the tooth, the dental enamel, is somehow damaged or eroded, exposing the tooth dentin just underneath. Dentin consists of lots of tiny tubules. When you eat or drink anything that could cause sensitivity, the sensation is more easily transmitted through these tubules, reaching the tooth nerve right in the centre, in the pulp chamber. Various factors can contribute to tooth enamel loss and which include:
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush or like to scrub your teeth very hard, you could wear down your tooth enamel. Additionally, brushing your teeth too vigorously can cause gum recession, and exposed tooth roots will feel more sensitive.
Eating Lots of Acidic or Sugary Foods
If you eat lots of sugary foods, then the sugars are utilized by bacteria naturally present in your mouth as an energy source. These bacteria create acid as a byproduct that gradually erodes your tooth enamel. Eating a lot of naturally acidic foods can promote the same effect, eroding your tooth enamel and exposing the dentin underneath.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching is a problem called bruxism in Newcastle and can wear down tooth enamel, causing teeth to become chipped and cracked.
Gum Disease
Gum disease quickly causes gum recession, exposing the tooth roots and causing sensitivity. Other signs of gum disease in Clarington include noticing that your gums have started to bleed more easily or look red, swollen, or are tender to touch.
Overusing Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity when overused or used improperly. This is why you should always see your dentist in Courtice before using any whitening treatments.
Failing Fillings or Tooth Decay
If you have a failing filling or untreated tooth decay or a chip or crack in a tooth, then this can cause it to become more sensitive.
Get a Professional Diagnosis from Your Dentist
These are all potential reasons why your teeth may feel more sensitive, but the best way to find out is to visit us at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Our dentist can gently examine your teeth, identify exactly why your teeth feel more sensitive and provide a suitable solution. If you need dental treatment, we can provide a suitable treatment plan.
Otherwise, we can offer advice on products to use at home to reduce tooth sensitivity, such as toothpaste specially formulated for this problem and which works by gradually blocking up the tubules that have become exposed. The toothpaste must be used for several weeks as the effects are cumulative. When acid erosion is a problem, other potential treatments that could help include topical applications of fluoride to help re-harden tooth enamel. We may suggest some easy dietary modifications to help protect your dental health.