What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?

What Causes Teeth Sensitivity? Natural Remedies to Alleviate Teeth Sensitivity

If you’re having trouble deciding which types of acidic foods to avoid, read this article to find out the most common causes of teeth sensitivity. This article will go over common causes, including acidic foods and beverages, gum disease, and more aggressive surgical options. Fortunately, there are many natural methods to alleviate sensitivity. Listed below are some of the most effective. If you’re suffering from sensitivity in your teeth, follow these tips to stop it from worsening.

Enamel erosion

Tooth enamel can be damaged by eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks. Because saliva can’t completely neutralize acid, it can erode the enamel. Furthermore, since tooth enamel is not composed of living cells, it can’t repair or regenerate itself. It’s irreversible once the enamel has been damaged. However, you can prevent erosion of the tooth enamel by altering your diet and visiting a dentist regularly. Limit acidic foods such as citrus, pineapple, tomatoes, and pickles. These foods plus sugary soft drinks that contain phosphoric and citric acid are especially harsh on your tooth enamel.

Tooth sensitivity is one of the earliest signs of dental erosion. As the enamel wears away, it exposes the underlying dentine layer. Since dentine is much more sensitive than enamel, eating and biting hard objects can irritate the sensitive dentine. To avoid tooth pain, brush your teeth thoroughly, avoid hard or sticky foods, and drink too many acidic liquids. The sensitivity of the teeth should disappear within four to six weeks.

Periodontal disease

If you’ve noticed that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, you may be suffering from gum disease. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. You can develop gingivitis, a mild form of this condition before the periodontal disease takes hold. Gingivitis usually appears before periodontitis does, so it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect you might be developing the disease.

Depending on the severity of your sensitivity, your dentist may prescribe a soft brush and a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. Sometimes, a medicated mouthwash may also be recommended. In some cases, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold food, as well as to brushing. A dentist can diagnose the extent of enamel loss and recommend a treatment plan. For more severe cases of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend corrective surgery to remove the disease.

Surgical gum grafts

While surgical gum grafts may not be your only option, you may consider this procedure if you experience excessive sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This surgery is generally painless. You should avoid eating spicy foods for a few days and stick to soft foods for a week. You should also avoid chewing hard food or brushing near the surgical site. After the surgery, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash to help your gums heal.

While most people only consider gum grafts because their dentist recommended them, there are other advantages as well. In some cases, gum tissue grafting can repair the receding gumline and restore the surrounding gum tissue. The procedure can also improve your self-confidence. After all, the surgery can make your teeth look much shorter and more balanced. Surgical gum grafts can also improve your smile’s aesthetics.

Acidic foods and beverages

The most common contributor to tooth sensitivity is eating foods that are highly acidic. The acid in these foods and beverages wears away the protective enamel layer on your teeth. That exposes the inner layer, or dentine, which is more sensitive than the enamel. This is why you may experience sensitivity, and you may not even be aware of it. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you should cut out acidic foods or drinks.

While drinking acidic drinks is not the best way to treat tooth sensitivity, it is important to remember that it’s possible to minimize the effects of these drinks and foods. Generally, you should limit the acidic beverages and foods you consume during mealtime. After consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water. Brushing your teeth immediately after drinking is not a good idea, as you could cause more damage to your teeth.

Age

While tooth sensitivity is most common in people aged 20 to 40, it can affect anyone at any age. This condition is caused by a variety of factors, from brushing too hard to a combination of side-to-side movements. In the end, the newly exposed dentine of the tooth becomes sensitive. In some cases, tooth sensitivity is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as gingivitis or a cavity.

It is also possible to develop extreme tooth sensitivity if the gums are receding or grinding at night. As the gums recede, they expose the tooth root and the nerve within it. If the root is exposed, bacteria from plaque can enter the tooth pulp, causing inflammation. Teeth grinding can also cause extreme tooth sensitivity, as it wears down the enamel and exposes dentine. Tooth whitening products and toothpaste containing peroxide or baking soda are known to irritate the pulp, exposing the dentine underneath.

Your dentist can recommend toothpaste that can remineralize your teeth before the damage is too extensive. Look for products containing calcium phosphate or fluoride to help, also don’t let decay continue if you are aware of it, get it treated as soon as you can. Contact our offices for options.

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