Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth Sensitivity
At some point, we’ve all had that sharp, lightning bolt-type feeling that can be mild to severe, especially when you consume something extremely cold, hot, or sour due to teeth sensitivity. But what is the cause of this tooth discomfort? Below, our dental team will answer the question, “Why are my teeth sensitive?” and share common causes of sensitive teeth, toothaches and tooth pains, jaw pain, and more. Do not hesitate to call our Kenosha dentist at Denthetics, LLC if you are experiencing tooth or jaw pain. Our dentist in Kenosha, Dr. Felicia Mata-Stein will perform a dental exam and develop a treatment plan to relieve your tooth pain and prevent any further dental problems.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Getting to the root cause of your sensitive teeth can be tricky because there can be many culprits to blame for your pain or discomfort. Protecting the enamel of your teeth is critical; when your tooth enamel is damaged, increased sensitivity should be no surprise. Here are a few of the causes of tooth sensitivity in Kenosha patients.Overdoing It On The Mouthwash
Too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful, and mouthwash is one of them. The acid found in them can make already sensitive teeth worsen. Cut back on your use or use a neutral fluoride rinse mouthwash.
Too Much Acid & Sugar
The enamel on our teeth is a thin protective layer like the epidermis for your teeth. When you eat acidic and sugary foods, it eats away at your tooth’s enamel, causing dentin to be exposed. Acidic foods, like tomatoes, citrus, and even sodas, can cause that painful sensation. Use a straw whenever possible and limit your consumption of these foods.
Using Teeth Whitening Products
Solving one issue of whitening teeth can sometimes cause another with tooth sensitivity. At-home whitening kits and some toothpaste contain peroxide-based bleaching solutions. While they help whiten your teeth, they can lead to tooth sensitivity. Talk to our Kenosha dentist, Dr. Mata-Stein about other whitening solutions that could mitigate extra-sensitive teeth.
Getting Too Aggressive When Brushing
Don’t let this one affect how often you brush your teeth. Just be mindful when brushing and opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brush your teeth thoroughly; just don’t brush hard or rough. Aggressive brushing over time wears away enamel, causes gums to pull away from teeth, and then exposes dentin, equaling more sensitive teeth.
Tooth Decay or Cavity
Do you have tooth sensitivity that won’t go away? It could be a sign of tooth decay, essentially a cavity or at least the start of a cavity. When your tooth’s root becomes exposed, it becomes sensitive. As a result, when you consume food and drinks that are sour or extreme temperatures, you’ll get that stabbing discomfort. Read our dental news to learn how to prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthy smile.