If it hurts to brush your teeth, eat or drink, then you need to take steps to address that sharp pain you experience. There are a variety of reasons why your teeth may be sensitive, it could be exposed tooth roots, worn enamel, or there could be other factors at play. Whatever the cause, it’s a painful problem that needs a solution.
Top 3 Reasons For Sensitive Teeth
Your gum sensitivity could be down to brushing or flossing too hard, and if that’s the case you probably notice it most at those points. Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes down to braces or dentures. This is temporary and tends to resolve itself once your mouth adjusts to the change. There are also bigger causes, and some of them suggest bigger issues.
Gum Disease
One of the major causes of tooth sensitivity is gum disease. Gum disease affects the tissue holding your teeth in place because it’s gum inflammation. It most commonly occurs due to poor dental hygiene, when plaque accumulates due to poor or little brushing. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis and the signs include painful, swollen gums. They may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If gum disease isn’t addressed at this stage, it can escalate to periodontitis, which is when plaque starts to spread below the gum line triggering an aggressive inflammatory response. This can lead to tooth loss if the gum is allowed to separate from the teeth.
Everyone knows smoking is bad for their lungs, and they recognise it can cause tooth discolouration – but smoking can impact your oral health in other ways. It can damage the gums, triggering gum disease that causes gum sensitivity.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes can have a dangerous impact on your oral health. It can cause too much sugar in your saliva, which contributes to bacteria and plaque growth. And if this plaque is not dealt with it can result in gum disease.
Infection
This covers a wide variety of oral issues. Infections, mouth ulcers, and canker sores can cause irritation, soreness, and sensitivity in the gums. Canker sores can be a result of stress, acidic food, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune disease. And the term oral infection encompasses herpes and oral thrush. The typical symptoms of both include painful gum lesions.
What You Can Do About Sensitive Teeth
The first step to addressing sensitive teeth is to ensure you are taking proper care of your teeth, which means brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you’re a jaw clench-er or teeth grinder, try a mouth guard. Grinding can cause fractures, which leads to sensitivity.
You should also consider your diet – carbonated beverages, acidic foods, wine, and citrus can all damage your tooth enamel over time. You can use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth if you’re drinking a carbonated or acidic beverage. And you should drink a glass of water after the fact to balance your oral acid levels.
When To See Your Dentist
If you have persistent tooth sensitivity, you should visit the dentist to discuss the potential causes. You may have an underlying issue that only a dentist can resolve.
If you are concerned about your dental health, contact Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic and book an appointment with a dental hygienist or an emergency dentist. We offer a wide variety of services, as well as AfterPay Dental. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable Camden Dentist, look no further than Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic. We’ll be happy to discuss your dental issues, and answer any questions you have about treatment, whether you’re interested in dental veneers or enquiring about the cost of dental implants.
