What causes sensitive teeth?
Having sensitive teeth can be such a pain to deal with. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any point in time. Sometimes having sensitive teeth can be early warning signs to more serious dental concerns. Here are some causes of sensitive teeth and how to prevent it.
Too much pressure when brushing
When applying to much pressure when brushing, it can cause the enamel to wear away causing the under-layer, called dentin, to come through. Once the layer of dentin is exposed, the tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold consumables, causing pain to the teeth and gums. At our dental practice in Farringdon, we recommend you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle circular strokes to clean the teeth without wearing down the enamel. Using a fluoride toothpaste can also act as a barrier to prevent the build-up of plaque or you could use a specially designed toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Dental erosion
Dental erosion works the same way; however, dental erosion isn’t caused by brushing too hard, it’s caused by acids from acidic foods and drinks. Again, the loss of enamel causes the exposure of dentin which then leads to sensitive teeth and gums. Your gums can naturally recede and the roots of the teeth will become exposed because of this. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them so the sensitivity is likely to be worse in this area. Try to limit your intake of acidic food and drinks to preserve the enamel layer.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is just another way our bodies react to stress, but if left unchecked, it can lead to tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding is one of the most harmful habits as not only does it cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, it can also shave down the tooth’s shape and cause cracking and breakage. To prevent this, we recommend wearing a night guard if you’re prone to grind your teeth in the night. If you grind your teeth in the day, this may be caused by stress. Try and take your mind off of the stress and do something calming so you don’t feel the need to grit and grind on them.
If you have sensitive teeth and you don’t know why or what to do about it visit our dentist in Clerkenwell, contact us at Zero Seven Dental Practice to book an appointment.
