Sensitive teeth are one of the most common dental ailments that patients are afflicted with. In fact, it’s safe to say that nearly 1 in 5 patients that walk through the dental office doors suffers from some kind of tooth sensitivity. But why is it so common and what causes it?
The culprit of sensitive teeth isn’t a form of bacteria or a deep-rooted issue. In fact, sensitive teeth are caused by the natural thinning of your enamel, the hard surface on the outer part of your teeth that keeps your sensitive roots protected. Your enamel can be worn down in multiple ways, including:
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Eating acidic foods and drinks
- Bulimia (an eating disorder in which the individual vomits frequently)
- Gum disease
What Your Dentist Will Do
Right off the bat, your dentist will check for any major trauma to your teeth or gums to rule out any serious condition such as a broken tooth, gum disease, or a damaged filling. If that’s the case, your dentist can make the plans to fix the problem as soon as possible.
If no major trauma is evident, your dentist may recommend a special brand of toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth and ask what kind of toothbrush you currently use. Ideally, for people with sensitive teeth, a soft toothbrush is recommended and your dentist may also go over brushing techniques to ensure that you’re not brushing too vigorously.
For those whose sensitive teeth is caused by grinding their teeth together, your dentist will generally recommend a mouthguard that you can wear at night to prevent you from doing so.
As soon as you experience any kind of tooth sensitivity, come to the dentist right away. There is no reason to continue living in discomfort when a quick trip can save you from disrupting days and uncomfortable nights. Especially if the root cause is some sort of major trauma, the sooner it is taken care of, the better, as some problems can get worse over time if left untreated.
Call us today to book a complimentary consultation.