Tooth sensitivity can be painful and difficult to deal with. This condition causes pain and sensitivity in one or more of your teeth, especially when the teeth are exposed to sugar, hot or cold temperatures, or even cool air. Many patients describe the pain of tooth sensitivity as being sudden and sharp.
Causes Of Sensitive Teeth
A few of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity include:
- Brushing too roughly, causing the enamel to wear down
- Gum disease or gingivitis
- Tooth decay building up along the gum line
- Gum recession, which causes the exposure of the root surfaces of the teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of the teeth when sleeping
- Overusing teeth whitening products
- Having a diet high in acidic foods
Tooth sensitivity can make it difficult to properly care for your teeth because of the pain. Unfortunately, this will make the problem worse. However, there are things you can do to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Below are a few ways to ease the pain caused by sensitive teeth:
- Continue to practice good oral hygiene
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for those with sensitive teeth
- Keep a food journal to help you track which foods are triggering your tooth sensitivity
- Use a fluoride mouthwash, which can help decrease tooth sensitivity
- If you suffer from bruxism, wear a night guard when you sleep
If you find that your tooth sensitivity is interfering with your daily life or the way you care for your dental hygiene, please contact Littleton Implants & Periodontics. If your problem lies with the gum tissue, we can help ease your pain! Our dental implant and periodontics office is located here in Littleton, Colorado.