Do you encounter pain while having to ice-cold beverages or acidic foods? Do you have the same problem when you brush or floss your teeth?  Then you are at right place for information. You could have what’s known as tooth sensitivity.

Here, we are going to discuss 10 biggest causes for tooth sensitivity.

1. You brush with too much force.

Brushing with too much of force can be the reason for tooth sensitivity. When you brush with force and hard bristles of the toothbrush, over time, you may remove a thin layer of the tooth and expose the microscopic hollow canal also known as dentinal tubules. These hollow canals lead to your dental nerves. When these canals exposed to extreme temperature, acidic or sticky foods you feel discomfort and tooth pain.

You can get relieved by changing to the soft bristled toothbrush, and to be gentle while brushing.

2. Avoid acidic foods.

People with exposed dentinal tubules can have pain while having acidic foods. Acidic foods such as lemon, pickles, tomato sauce, grapefruit can cause pain. But avoiding this food can help you with any tooth discomfort.

3. If you are a tooth grinder.

As we all know Enamel is the hardest part of our body. If you are a tooth grinder (Bruxism), grinding the tooth can wear down your enamel and result in exposed dentinal canals. As you know now these canals are the pathway to your dental nerve. So, you can have pain because of it. Talk to your dentist about this problem. They will provide you custom-made mouth guard to stop tooth grinding.

Click here to know what is bruxism?

4. You may have cracked tooth.

A chipped or cracked tooth can also be the reason for this pain. Consult your dentist to evaluate this problem. They will provide you the right course of treatment.

5.  Tooth whitening toothpaste.

Tooth whitening toothpaste can also be one of the reasons for tooth sensitivity. Many manufacturers use tooth whitening chemical to their formula. Some people are more sensitive to these chemicals than others. If your toothpaste contains tooth whitening agent consider changing your toothpaste which doesn’t have these agents.

6. Decay around the edge of filling

If you have a filling, it can get weakened, fracture or leak around the edges over time. It’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these little spaces. This accumulation of bacteria produces more amount of acids around the tooth. The acids further lead to tooth decay near the surface of the existing filling. This type of caries is called as secondary caries. Be sure to visit your dentist if you notice this type of tooth sensitivity. In most cases, these filling can get replaced easily.

7. Excessive use of mouthwashes

Like tooth whitening toothpaste, there are many over the counter mouthwashes that contain alcohols and other chemicals. Excessive use of these over the counter mouthwashes can make your teeth more sensitive, especially if your dentin is exposed. You can switch to neutral fluoride rinses or you can skip the rinses and start flossing and brushing your tooth more accurately.

8. Gum disease

Receding gums, which is common with the age, especially if you haven’t kept good dental health, can cause tooth sensitivity. If you have gum disease or gingivitis your dentist will plan to treat underlying disease and also perform the procedure to seal the exposed root.

Click here to know what is gingivitis?

9. After dental procedures

It’s very common to have temporary sensitivity after some dental procedure like root canal, extraction or the placement of the crown. If this problem doesn’t subside within a short period of time, you should consult your dentist. It could be a sign of infection.

10. Excessive plaque

Accumulation of excessive plaque can also be one of the reasons for tooth sensitivity. The solution is to keep up good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing. Visit your dentist at least after every six months or more frequently if necessary to clean the tooth.

Tooth sensitivity is treatable. There are many toothpastes in the market specifically for tooth sensitivity. But these formulas don’t work for every person.

If you have taken all the precaution whatever was possible. Consult your dentist, they will determine the most likely cause of tooth sensitivity and the best solution for it.

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