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Posted on 9/30/2019 by Dr. Leary |
 If you have ever had that experience where you are eating your favorite sugary vice and a feeling of pins and needles appears out of nowhere. You are baffled because you spend time every day flossing. You brush twice a day minimum sometimes even three or four times because you love your pearly whites. Over time, it continues to get worse. You eventually go see a dentist. Let's cover what causes sensitive teeth and what your dentist would say.What Causes Sensitive TeethThe first simple cause of sensitive teeth is that you are brushing with more force than needed or the bristles on your brush are too stiff. What happens to your teeth is they lose their protection. Your teeth are built with protection and when it wears off, you become increasingly sensitive to things like hot or cold water, sugary foods, or acidic foods. Your teeth have microscopic hollow tubes that connect directly to the nerve. Another cause is if you grind your teeth at night. Grinding your teeth does the same thing. It opens up the dentin, or hollow parts of the tooth connecting to the nerve. If you use alcohol-based mouthwash or whitening toothpaste, they can make your teeth more sensitive with excessive use. Lastly, a major cause of pain in your teeth is a sign of gum disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so the tooth pain can be checked. If it is cancer or disease that is causing you pain, it is best addressed as early as possible. What Can Be Done If I Have Sensitive Teeth?The first step to addressing your tooth pain is to get a softer bristled brush and lightly brush your teeth. Do not press like you're removing dirt from a shoe. Lightly cover all your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, then it's best to get fitted for a sleeping mouthpiece. Your dentist can help you create the perfect mold of a mouthguard. They sell general ones at the store, but one with a custom mold at the dentist will be much more comfortable. Switch from a tooth whitening toothpaste to a regular one. Swap your alcohol-based mouthwash to a fluoride-based one. If you are still experiencing pain, then it's time to see a dentist and make sure it isn't gum disease hasn't started. We understand how frustrating it can be to have achy teeth. It makes it hard to enjoy foods you like and can be a distraction to everyday life. After using the tips above if you still are feeling tenderness, please give our office a call. We would be happy to assist you in figuring out what is causing the problem and coming to a quick solution. |
