Have you ever felt unexpected pain or discomfort while eating or drinking? Patients with tooth sensitivity may experience this when consuming food and drinks that are either very warm or very cold. This condition can affect one, multiple, or all teeth, varying from person to person. Sensitive teeth are extremely inconvenient for everyday life. Here’s what causes tooth sensitivity and how you can avoid it in the future.
Effects of Tooth Sensitivity
Most of the time, tooth sensitivity is triggered by specific elements. The most common triggers are:
- Hot food or drinks
- Cold food or drinks
- Cold air
- Sugary food or drinks
- Acidic food or drinks
- Brushing or flossing teeth
- Using alcohol-based mouth wash
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity and How to Avoid It
1. Brushing Your Teeth the Wrong Way
Choose a soft bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. Use gentle pressure and brush at a 45-degree angle. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. You can purchase a toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth, or if this remedy doesn’t work, have your dentist prescribe an over-the-counter paste and mouthwash.
2. Grinding Your Teeth at Night
This can be hard to catch in your sleep, but your dentist will be able to identify any cracking or chipping due to this unknown habit. You can wear a special mouthguard at night to eliminate any grinding, relieving unwanted pressure from the teeth and therefore easing tooth sensitivity.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux
This condition causes stomach acid to come up through the esophagus, which can wear down teeth over time and causes sensitivity. You can treat this condition with acid-reduction medication and use prescription toothpaste and mouthwash to manage the tooth sensitivity until it goes away on its own.
4. Receding Gums
This condition can leave areas of the teeth exposed, causing sensitivity. To treat receding gums, you can be sure to brush gently with a soft bristled brush. Your dentist may also recommend a gum graft procedure to protect the exposed teeth.
5. Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity. By visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll be notified of any cavities and can schedule an appointment to receive a filling. Once the filling is in place, the tooth sensitivity should subside.
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