Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jun 01, 2010 @ 10:09 AM
If you have sensitive teeth then you're definitely not alone. It's a very common dental problem (in fact, one of the most common complaints dental offices get) which is why we've dedicated this blog entry to it.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
The short answer is gum recession. When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth along with the tubules leading to nerves become exposed to the elements. As a result, teeth develop profound sensitivity to stimuli such as heat and cold.
Several factors contribute to gum recession. Here are just a few:
- Brushing technique: If you use a hard bristled toothbrush (or if you just brush your teeth very hard) it can wear down your tooth enamel exposing the layers of dentin beneath it. Hard brushing can also damage your gum tissue and expose tooth roots.
- Cracked teeth: Cracks in your teeth fill with bacteria, irritate dental pulp and cause sensitivity
- Teeth grinding: Over time , teeth grinding will erode tooth enamel and cause hairline fractures
- Gum Disease: This is the leading cause of gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Gum disease eats away at gum tissue over time, leaving the roots of your teeth exposed.
So, now that you know a few of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, here are five tips to toughen up your teeth and keep sensitivity away.
- Change your oral hygiene products: Start using a toothpaste designed specifically for desensitizing and a brush with soft bristles (especially if you know you're a hard brusher).
- Use a fluoride rinse. These can help re-mineralize softened areas of tooth enamel and curb sensitivity
- Floss daily to clean your mouth 100 percent every day
- Get regular dental cleanings, twice annually per ADA recommendations. This is crucial in the fight against gum disease.
- If your teeth are sensitive and you're a teeth grinder, visit your dentist and he or she can recommend a night guard