Have you ever felt discomfort in your teeth every time you eat something extremely cold or hot? If yes, then it is a sign that you have sensitive teeth.
In Leander TX orthodontist can help determine teeth sensitivity and provide you with appropriate treatment. Tooth sensitivity is common, and most people avoid it till the pain and discomfort get unbearable. However, if tooth sensitivity is left untreated, it can lead to various tooth infections.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity or also known as dentin hypersensitivity is pain and discomfort caused in response to certain stimuli such as hot and cold temperatures.
It can be temporary or chronic and can affect one or several teeth in an individual. It can have several causes and can be treated quickly with a trusted dentist’s guidance, and one of the most common treatments for tooth sensitivity is a change in your oral hygiene routine.
What are the causes of tooth sensitivity?
- You brush your teeth forcefully.
Often the cause of tooth sensitivity is the use of hard-bristled toothbrushes. Suppose you use a toothbrush with extreme force or can tear down the protective layers of your teeth and lead to your dental nerves. When these nerves are exposed,d it can create discomfort when you consume sticky foods.
The simple solution to this is to replace your toothbrush with one made of soft bristles and be gentle while brushing your teeth.
- Intake of acidic foods
If your nerves are exposed, and you consume kiwi, grapefruit, tomato sauce, or pickles it can cause sudden pain and discomfort. Avoid such foods if you are dealing with discomfort and consult your trusted dentist to get appropriate treatment.
- Tooth grinding
It is not easy to wear down your tooth enamel. However, with excessive tooth grinding, your enamel can break down. Again by doing this, you expose the dentin that is the middle layer of your tooth, leading to your nerves. The only solution to this issue is talking to your dentist and getting a custom-made mouthguard that fits your mouth and stops teeth grinding.
- You use teeth whitening products.
Various chemicals are used in teeth whitening products, especially at-home kits. You can be sensitive to those chemicals, which can also lead to teeth sensitivity or any other issues. Therefore, you must get teeth whitening under the guidance of a dentist.
- Extreme use of mouthwash
Using mouthwash and rinses containing a certain amount of alcohol or chemicals can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. Instead, you must opt for neutral fluoride rinses that will help avoid this problem and maintain adequate dental health.
If your tooth sensitivity is extreme and interrupts your day-to-day life, talk to your dentist to avoid further complications.