Teeth may become sensitive for a number of reasons, the most common of which are damaged enamel and exposed dental roots. However, there are occasions when tooth discomfort is brought on by other reasons, like a cavity, a fractured or broken tooth, a damaged filling, or periodontitis. All of these issues may create pain in the affected tooth.
1. You use a mouthwash designed to whiten your teeth.
Some individuals are more susceptible to the tooth-whitening agents that are included in the formulae of many different brands of toothpaste, while others are not bothered by them at all. If the whitening ingredients in your toothpaste are causing irritation, you may want to look into switching to a different brand.
2. You consume meals that are high in acid.
Pasta sauce, citrus, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles are some examples of acidic foods that might cause discomfort if the pathways that go to your nerves are unprotected. But if you stay away from these items, you won’t have to worry about any tooth pain.
3. You brush with an excessive amount of enthusiasm.
Brushing your teeth too vigorously or with a toothbrush that has bristles that are excessively stiff may sometimes cause sensitivity in your teeth. The protective coatings of your teeth may be worn away over time, exposing the small hollow tubes or canals that connect to your dental nerves. This can happen if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth sensitivity and pain may occur as a consequence of these tubes being subjected to heat that is too high or to meals that are too sour or just too greasy. The most straightforward remedy would be to swap to a brush with milder bristles and to clean your teeth with more caution.
4. You have a habit of grinding your teeth.
Grinding your teeth may wear away the enamel on your teeth, despite the fact that the enamel on your teeth is the hardest material in your body. This exposes the dentin, that is the innermost part of the tooth and includes hollow channels that go to your nerves. If you continue to do this, you will eventually lose your teeth. Have a conversation with your dentist about getting a gumshield that will prevent you from grinding your teeth. According to Dr. Seldin, the finest guards are those that are created specifically to match the patient’s bite.
5. You’re addicted to using mouthwash.
In the same way that whitening toothpaste may make your teeth more sensitive, certain over-the-counter mouth rinses and washes include ethanol as well as other compounds that can do the same thing. This is particularly true if your dentin is already visible. Alternatively, you should use fluoride-free rinses or just forego rinsing altogether and focus on brushing and flossing your teeth more thoroughly.
6. You’ve undergone a dental operation.
After having a root canal, having a tooth extracted, or getting a crown put on, it is not uncommon to have some sensitivity in the area. If the symptoms don’t go away within a short period of time, you should reschedule your appointment with the dentist since it’s possible that you have an infection.
7. You’ve got gum disease.
Tooth sensitivity may be brought on by receding gums, which is something that happens naturally with advancing age (particularly if you haven’t been keeping up with your dental health). If gum infection or gingivitis is the source of the issue, your dentist will devise a treatment strategy to address the actual condition, and he or she may also recommend a treatment to cover your teeth.
8. You have abundant plaque.
Plaque is something that builds after you eat, and brushing and flossing are both ways to get rid of it. The loss of tooth enamel may be caused by the accumulation of plaque to an unhealthy degree. Again, this may cause your teeth to become more painful as their enamel wears away and they become less protected. The remedy is to engage in proper dental care on a daily basis and to see your dentist at least every 6 months for regular cleaning, or more often if this is required.
