Do you ever find yourself wincing in pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold, asking yourself, "Why are my teeth so sensitive?" You’re not alone.
Sensitive teeth aren't just annoying. They can make it hard for you to drink and eat. Typically, the pain is sharp, sudden, and temporary, but it doesn't make it easier to take.
If you're prone to tooth pain, it probably occurs when your teeth are exposed to cold air or cold, hot, acidic, or overly sweet foods.
Developing tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone. Exposed roots and eroded enamel are usually the cause. However, your teeth may be sensitive for several other reasons.
Please keep reading to learn about some common causes of sensitive teeth and when it's time to see a dentist in Vancouver.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing your teeth too hard will wear down your teeth enamel, causing the dentin to become exposed.
If you continue to brush your teeth too hard, you may experience gum recession and root exposure.
For these reasons, most dentists recommend that you always use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Whitening Your Teeth
Teeth whitening is common, as many people do it to remove discoloration and surface stains for a brighter smile.
However, these treatments can also cause sensitive teeth. One of the main ingredients in many solutions is peroxide, which irritates the tooth nerve with prolonged use.
Grinding Your Teeth
Do you find yourself regularly waking up in the morning with a sore jaw? Have you ever noticed yourself grinding your teeth at work?
Teeth grinding can not only wear down your teeth, but you can crack or chip them as well. All of this causes damage to your enamel and exposes your tooth's inner layer of dentin.
The loss of dentin makes your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity.
Not Flossing Regularly
Flossing your teeth should be a part of your daily tooth cleaning regimen. Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough.
You can prevent plaque buildup on your teeth by flossing at least once per day. This flossing will reduce your chances of gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and receding gums.
Demineralization
When the mineral content in your tooth enamel decreases, this is called demineralization. As the enamel breaks down, your teeth become sensitive. At this point, it's easier for plaque to build up and infect your tooth's interior.
Enamel isn't a growing tissue—your body won't grow back what it's lost, which is why it's paramount to protect your teeth by avoiding acidic foods and sugary drinks as much as possible.
Diet
What you eat also directly affects the health of your teeth. Consuming acidic foods such as tea, pickles, tomatoes, and citrus can cause your enamel to erode.
Once this enamel erosion occurs, you're more prone to tooth sensitivity.
Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?
If you're still asking yourself, "Why are my teeth so sensitive?" it's time to speak with a professional about possible solutions.
The team at Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic is here to help. The first step is to schedule an appointment online today!