Dealing with tooth sensitivity can be a real pain—literally. If you’ve ever flinched while eating candy or biting into ice cream, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that affects many people, but the good news is there are effective ways to manage and reduce it.
In this article, we’ll explore what causes tooth sensitivity, how to identify the triggers, and, most importantly, what you can do to find relief. Keep reading!
What causes tooth sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is a condition where teeth experience sharp, temporary pain in response to certain activities like brushing, eating, and drinking. This usually occurs due to worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots, but there are multiple factors that can lead to tooth sensitivity, including:
- Brushing too hard: Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can eventually wear down enamel and expose the dentin, leading to sensitivity.
- Receding gums: When gums recede, they expose the tooth roots, which can cause sensitivity. therefore more sensitive to external stimuli. Gum recession is often a result of periodontal disease or genetics.
- Cracked teeth: Cracks or chips in teeth can fill with bacteria, which causes inflammation and sensitivity.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay exposes the root of your tooth and can make it sensitive to things like hot, cold, and even air.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep, can wear away enamel and expose the dentin, causing sensitivity.
- Teeth whitening products: Tooth whitening products that contain peroxide-based bleaching solutions can often cause sensitivity. This is generally temporary.
- Mouthwash::
- Acidic foods and drinks: Consuming acidic substances like citrus fruits, tea, carbonated drinks, tomatoes, and pickles can cause enamel erosion over time and lead to sensitivity.
- Recent dental work: Procedures such as fillings, teeth cleanings, or other dental procedures can cause temporary tooth sensitivity.
Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Tooth sensitivity can sometimes go away on its own, particularly if it is caused by temporary factors such as food, whitening products, or recent dental procedures. Avoiding triggers can help prevent sensitivity. However, if the underlying cause is more severe, such as advanced gum disease or tooth decay, professional dental treatment may be necessary to resolve the issue.
How to stop sensitive tooth sensitivity
If you have tooth sensitivity, there are things you can do to help the problem. While the treatment that will work for you depends on the cause of the problem, here are several effective strategies for stopping tooth sensitivity:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste: Specially formulated toothpastes for sensitive teeth can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are plenty of over-the-counter products available, but for personalized help, ask your dentist (or visit us if you need a dentist in Burbank!).
- Practice gentle brushing: If aggressive brushing can cause tooth sensitivity, that’s a good enough reason to start using a soft-bristled toothbrush that results in less gum irritation and abrasion to the tooth surface.
- Fluoride treatment: A prescription fluoride may be suggested by your dentist to help strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce pain. Fluoride toothpaste can also be helpful.
- Avoid acidic foods and drink: Limit the intake of acidic substances which can erode enamel. If you do eat/drink acidic substances, drinking water afterward can help balance the acid levels in your mouth.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from enamel wear and reduce sensitivity.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to sensitivity.
- Regular dental visits: Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. For most people, two dental cleanings will suffice! And at your dental check-ups, your dentist can identify and treat underlying issues such as cavities or gum disease that contribute to sensitivity.
- Avoid teeth whitening products: If you have sensitive teeth, steer clear of whitening products that can exacerbate the condition.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for a dentist in Burbank
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, have a question for a dentist, or are looking for a dentist in Burbank or the Burbank area, come visit our office, Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc. Dr. Ruiz is a respected dentist, educator, and researcher who has even developed a smile design technique that dentists all around the world use. Dr. Ruiz is also known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry,” which is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. Learn more about our dental checkups and cleanings and check out our Google reviews!
