Tooth Sensitivity and How to Fix it

It's always hard to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a bowl of ice cream if your teeth are in pain every time you have some. It can be difficult to eat normally and use good hygiene when your teeth are sensitive.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There isn't just one reason why you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. It can be caused by any of the following:

• Cavities
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Exposed tooth root
• Receding gums
• A broken tooth
• Worn enamel

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get to the dentist right away before it gets any worse.

Tooth enamel loss can be caused by a poor diet that includes high amounts of sugar or soda. It can also be caused by medications, stress, or acid reflux disease. Genetics can also be a factor in loss of tooth enamel. When tooth enamel is missing, it allows for food and drinks to reach the nerve cells inside your teeth, causing the pain.

Treatment Solutions

Sensitivity toothpaste contains ingredients that desensitize the nerve endings in your teeth. If there is one tooth in particular that is more sensitive than the others, you can dab some toothpaste on the tooth, let it sit overnight and brush it away in the morning. Consistent use will diminish sensitivity within a couple of weeks.

Avoid intense toothpaste such as those with whitening agents in them. The abrasiveness of the product can causes accelerated enamel wearing that increases sensitivity. It is also important to only use soft bristle brushes. Excessive scrubbing can also increase sensitivity.

Use a mouth guard at night if you tend to grind your teeth. You can get them over the counter at any drug store, or you can get one from your dentist. Grinding can cause gum recession which increases sensitivity around your gum line. It can also cause your teeth to move out of alignment.

Visit your dentist if you have cavities, a broken tooth, or receding gums. There is treatment offered for each of these cases, and the more quickly you make an appointment, the less pain you'll be in. If you are experiencing sensitivity near an existing filling, ask your dentist to examine your old filling, as you may have decay underneath them.