09 Jun 2017 Why Do People Get Sensitive Teeth?
Things like drinking cold beverages, eating hot foods or brushing your teeth should not be painful. For some people, however, these things can be quite uncomfortable due to sensitive teeth. If you suffer from teeth that are sensitive or a frequent tooth ache, you could be wondering what causes it and what you can do about it. Luckily, this quick guide can give you a little helpful information.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
The first question that you might have about your sensitive teeth is why they might be that way. Teeth sensitivity can be caused by various things, but these are a few of them:
- Brushing – Believe it or not, brushing your teeth too hard isn’t good for them and can cause worn enamel, which can make your teeth sensitive. Additionally, you shouldn’t use a too-hard toothbrush when you are brushing your teeth if you want to prevent enamel wear.
- Erosion – If your teeth are eroding, you can count on them being sensitive. This can be caused by eating or drinking a lot of highly acidic things.
- Tooth Decay – If your teeth are decaying, you might experience sensitivity or a tooth ache.
- Gum Recession – If your gums are receding, it can cause a lot of tooth problems, including sensitivity.
What Can Be Done About Teeth That are Sensitive?
If you find that your teeth are sensitive, you may want to do what you can to help prevent this uncomfortable sensation. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do about it.
For one thing, you should be careful when you are brushing. Consider ditching your current toothbrush for a softer option. You can also choose a toothpaste that is designed for tooth sensitivity, which might help with the discomfort that you may experience when brushing your teeth with your current toothpaste.
When drinking cold beverages, you can consider using a straw to help prevent the discomfort that you might otherwise get when consuming something that is cold. You can then use your straw to direct your beverage past your teeth and toward your throat. Drinking beverages without ice so that they are not quite as cold can also be helpful, although you might not like these beverages as much.
All of these fixes, however, should be temporary. If you are having tooth problems, you should not ignore the issue or put off visiting your dentist. If you do not already have an upcoming dental appointment scheduled, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment. Then, you will have an opportunity to talk to your dentist about your sensitivity issues. He or she can then check your teeth for any problems, and depending on what he or she might find, he or she can then talk to you about some treatment options. This can help you have healthier teeth and can also help you get rid of some of the discomfort that you might currently be experiencing.