Tooth sensitivity is a common, treatable problem but can also be symptomatic of a more serious dental issue. Many people experience pain or discomfort when they consume hot or cold food and drinks, sweet or sour foods, and even cold air. In order to find a solution for this discomfort, it’s important to understand and avoid potential causes.
If you’re experiencing uncommon tooth sensitivity, consider cutting the following contributing factors from your daily life first. Then, contact your dentist to ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep your teeth healthy, comfortable, and strong.
- Acidic Food and Drinks
Over time, many foods and drinks can erode your natural tooth enamel. These generally consist of foods high in sugar, artificial sweetener, acidity, or other sources of carbohydrates. To reduce potential discomfort, it’s best to avoid triggering foods and drinks including soda, citrus drinks and lemonade, sweetened sports drinks, candy, and foods heavy in artificial dyes.
- Brushing Too Hard
It’s easy to think that more pressure is better when brushing your teeth, but that is rarely the case. Brushing too hard can cause damage to the tooth and erode healthy, protective gums—even with softer varieties of brushes. Be sure to consult your dentist to learn the proper pressure for you, and avoid rushing to protect your teeth for years to come.
- Tooth Decay or Cracked Tooth
When a tooth is cracked, it can be prone to bacteria. Bacteria then builds around or inside a tooth, which can cause the enamel to erode and make the tooth more sensitive. Always seek proper treatment when you experience or suspect that a tooth may be cracked. Then, sanitize the area often to prevent further or deeper damage to your smile.
- Receding Gums
Receding gums can be caused by a variety of factors—which is why it’s best to seek dental treatment to determine how to move forward. Over time, gums and teeth around the receding area often become inflamed or tender, becoming more sensitive than they once were. Be sure to floss regularly to better protect your gums which, in turn, better protect your teeth!
- Grinding Teeth
Grinding your teeth regularly wears down teeth, exposing the middle layer that connects to the nerves. This can become painful quickly and worsen in time—requiring more in-depth and painful treatment. Talk to your dentist today about protective measures, so you can either lessen the effects of tooth grinding or stop doing it altogether!
If you find your teeth have become increasingly sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks, it could be a sign that its time to visit the dentist. Having a conversation with your dentist can be the first step towards diagnosing and relieving pain. From there, we can help you create a customized solution to pain and discomfort and prolong your best, healthiest smile.
Call or email Russo Dentistry of Raleigh-Durham today to learn more about your options for the prevention and treatment of sensitive smiles.
