Brushing twice a day, flossing, and making regular trips to the dentist are all things you should be doing to keep your teeth healthy and clean. But what if you’ve been diligent about your dental health and teeth are still aching?
When eating spicy food or crunching ice cubes, most people think about sensitive teeth. Sharp teeth are far more common than you think and often show a deeper issue with oral health.
Consider what sensitive teeth could mean and what you can do about it. Continue reading!
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel erosion happens when the protected layer of enamel around our teeth wears away or breaks down. This can make our teeth feel sensitive. Acidic foods, acids in the surroundings, acidic drinks, too much brushing, certain medical conditions, and even some medicines can wear away enamel.
When enamel wears away, it can show a softer dentin layer, making the tooth more sensitive. Visit Westchase Smiles Institute, for example to find out if the erosion of your tooth enamel is the cause of your sharp teeth and to talk about treatment choices to help reduce the sensitivity and stop further deterioration.
Gum Recession
The tooth’s root is revealed when the gum tissue starts to recede. This makes the tooth sensitive. Your dentist may use a gum graft or another treatment for gum recession, or he or she may give you a fluoride protection or something else to make your teeth less sensitive.
The root of a tooth may need a crown or another type of repair to cover it. If you think you have gum recession, you must talk to your dentist so he or she can have a dental exam and treat you.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay happens when the enamel on your teeth gets weak and thin, which lets acids made by bacteria get through to the surface and wear it away. Eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or sour makes it painful and unpleasant.
Sensitive teeth could also be a sign of gum disease, caused when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth. If your teeth hurt, you need to see a dentist right away. Regular trips to the dentist, proper brushing and cleaning, and limiting sugary and acidic foods can all help keep your teeth healthy and stop decay.
Tooth Grinding
When you grind your teeth, it exposes the dentin layer under the enamel to hot and cold temperatures, making your teeth more sensitive. If this isn’t taken care of, it can cause lasting damage to the teeth, tooth pain, and other problems.
To prevent and lessen the effects of sensitive teeth, people should avoid stressful and emotionally charged situations as much as possible, practice good oral hygiene and habits, and see their dentist to check on the condition and determine the available treatment options.
Knowing the Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Having sensitive teeth can be painful, making everyday activities like drinking coffee and tea less enjoyable. You can lessen tooth sensitivity by taking preventative steps like brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoiding acidic and sugary foods, and visiting the dentist.
If you have sensitive teeth, you should see a dentist to get the right care and avoid more problems.
