Does drinking a cold beverage cause dental discomfort? Do you feel some sensation when you consume something hot? If you said yes to any of these questions, then you are suffering from a dental condition called as tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is a condition that can happen over time due to receding gums and enamel wear. If you have sensitive teeth, then there is a possibility that your teeth enamel has worn out. However, there are many other causes of tooth sensitivity and some of them are listed as follows.
1) When you Brush Too Hard
If you brush your teeth vigorously, then you are at a higher risk of suffering from sensitivity problems. This is because tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or by using the hard-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and can expose all the microscopic hollow tubes or canals which in turn damage the nerves or pulp inside your teeth. When these tubes come in contact with acidic, cold or hot foodstuffs, it can trigger tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
2) When you Eat Acidic Food
Acidic food items like lemon, tomato ketchup, kiwi, and pickles are one of the reasons for tooth sensitivity. When you consume these food items in excess, your tooth enamel erodes due to the acid present in these foods. If you eat acidic food items, then wait for an hour and then brush or simply rinse your mouth with water after eating them. Also, eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk and plain yogurt can be beneficial as they create moisture (saliva) in your mouth. The saliva helps to fight acid and bacteria in your mouth which in turn prevent damaging your tooth enamel.
3) When you have Gum Diseases
When you have plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth, it can make your gums weak and result in gum diseases. Loosened or weak gums have the ability to disrupt the bone and enamel structure of your teeth. Ensure you maintain a good oral hygiene to prevent gum diseases and stay away from cigarettes and other alcohol content as they give rise to gum diseases. Consult a dentist as he will easily spot problems like receding gums which in turn will prevent dental sensitivity issues.
4) When you have a Broken Tooth
When you have a chipped or broken tooth, the dentin of your tooth gets exposed. Since the tooth enamel is no longer present on the tooth surface, you will feel the sensation when you consume something hot or cold.
Other causes of tooth sensitivity include teeth grinding, tooth decays, worn leaky fillings, gum recession that exposes the root surface, etc. If your sensitivity is extreme and unbearable, thenĀ consult a University area dentist. The skilled and experienced University hospital dentist will determine the root cause of your sensitivity issues and then recommend the right treatment to get rid of your tooth sensitivity.