Are your teeth sensitive? Do you experience pain or discomfort when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or beverages? There is always a reason behind tooth sensitivity, and for the most part, it is due to either lifestyle choices or problems in your mouth that are affecting your teeth or gum tissue.

First, it’s important to understand the construction of a tooth because underneath the hard layer of enamel is a substance called dentin which is similar in makeup to your bones. The dentin protects many tiny nerves that channel into the center of your tooth which is made up of a soft material called pulp that is filled with blood vessels and nerve endings. When the hard coating of enamel on your teeth becomes thin, the sensitive areas are exposed and the nerve endings are stimulated by anything that happens in your mouth, like eating, chewing, drinking, brushing or flossing, which results in discomfort. Or if the gum tissue around the tooth becomes damaged, it can result in sensitivity.

The root cause behind damaged enamel or gum tissue is typically or a combination of the following:

– Cavities eat through the enamel, weakening it and exposing the soft interior of a tooth.

– Gum disease creates inflammation of the gum tissue which then pulls away from the tooth exposing the sensitive root area.

– Grinding your teeth, which is also known as bruxism, can weaken the enamel of your teeth.

– Eating a lot of sweet foods can weaken the enamel on your teeth because bacteria that is always available in your mouth, when combined with sugar, creates an acid that attacks and destroys enamel.

– Consuming acidic foods is detrimental to teeth because acid can dissolve the enamel of a tooth.

– Poor oral hygiene habits of not brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day leaves your teeth exposed to plaque and tartar buildup which eats away at tooth enamel.

– Applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth can be very hard on tooth enamel. Completely brushing every area of a tooth is much more important than the amount of pressure that is applied.

– Overusing mouth washes or rinses can be detrimental to tooth enamel and result in sensitivity.

– Over-the-counter tooth whitening products can cause damage to gum tissue because of the harsh chemicals that are being used without the knowledge of how to protect sensitive areas.

If you suffer with tooth sensitivity, your dentist can help you determine the cause or causes behind it and may then suggest one or several actions that you can take to reduce the discomfort.

– Repair any cavities or gum disease that might be causing damage to your teeth or gum tissue – With a thorough examination, your dentist can determine if there are dental issues that are causing the discomfort. If that’s the case, they need to be addressed and repaired.

– Adjust your diet to eliminate or minimize sugary or acidic foods – If your current diet is heavy in either of these types of foods, a simple adjustment in what you eat could be the answer to reducing the discomfort you currently experience.

– Change and/or improve your daily oral hygiene habits – You may need to increase the amount of times you are brushing and flossing your teeth or perhaps change the way you brush and floss them. Your dental hygienist can instruct you on good oral hygiene habits that will keep your teeth and gum tissue healthy which can reduce sensitivity.

– Buy a new toothbrush – If the toothbrushes you typically use have hard bristles, they could be causing damage to both your enamel and your gum tissue. Changing to a soft bristle brush and using it properly will support your teeth and gums instead of damaging them.

– Try a desensitizing gel – Your dentist may suggest a desensitizing gel that has been formulated to protect nerve endings in your teeth from feeling any sensations that cause discomfort. These gels are typically applied in the dentist’s office.

– Wear a night guard – If the unconscious habit of grinding your teeth while you sleep is the culprit behind tooth sensitivity, your dentist can create a mouthguard for wearing at night to minimize any pressure that is being exerted onto your teeth.

The most important thing to understand about tooth sensitivity is that it shouldn’t be ignored because there is a problem behind the discomfort. Work with your dentist to determine the cause and find the solution.

Author Bio: After graduating as a DMD in 1988 Dr. Vito Clarizio started his own practice in Whitestone, NY and has been in private practice here for over 20 years. He is loved by both his patients and his staff. His core staff has been with him since the beginning of the practice.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: sensitive teeth, denal care, dental comfort, dental problems, tooth sensitivity