Causes and Treatment of Sensitive Teeth

We’ve all experienced having sensitive teeth at one point in time. You bite into an ice cream cone, expecting to enjoy it, only to be disappointed with a horrible pain in one of your teeth. While that situation may be a one time thing, there are people who suffer with tooth sensitivity on a regular basis, and it’s actually quite common. Most people that come to visit their dentist describe some form of tooth sensitivity. So why does it happen and what can you do to prevent and treat it?

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

While certain conditions can cause sensitive teeth such as cavities, everyday tooth sensitivity is caused by the thinning and wearing down of the hard surface of your teeth, also known as your enamel. Enamel helps to protect the roots of the teeth, so when it’s gone, your teeth become more sensitive. Enamel breaks down in the following ways:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Improper brushing
• Bulimia
• Acidic drinks and foods

Treatment and Prevention

Mouth guards can be purchased in order to help with teeth grinding and your dentist can recommend a softer toothbrush and better techniques to help keep your enamel intact. Acidic foods and drinks should be kept to the minimum and replaced with water whenever possible. Bulimia, on the other hand, seeing as it is an eating disorder, may take longer to overcome, but with the right support and medical help, bulimia can be successfully treated.

Conclusion

Any tooth pain or sensitivity should be reported immediately to your dentist so that they may properly diagnose the source. While it may be as simple as changing up your brushing routine and choosing a different toothpaste, your dentist will want to rule out things like cavities and gum disease that may be the culprit.

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