Having sensitive teeth can impact your quality of life. Suddenly sipping a hot cup of coffee or enjoying a cold drink on a summer’s day have to be done carefully, stopping you from fully enjoying the moment.

To find out how to relieve tooth sensitivity, you first need to delve into the causes. What causes tooth sensitivity and when does it indicate a more serious issue? Read on to find out more.

 

What Does Tooth Sensitivity Feel Like?

When you have sensitive teeth, you may feel sudden tooth pain after consuming hot or cold foods or beverages.

Pain from sensitivity is usually relatively mild, and is regularly triggered by temperature changes. It can come and go. It doesn’t occur when biting down or chewing. It also doesn’t happen spontaneously.

If the pain you experience is triggered by chewing, or seems to happen without a trigger, another problem may be causing it. See a dentist right away.

 

Common Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by eroded tooth enamel and/or exposed tooth roots.  These in turn can be caused by a number of things like consuming too many acidic foods and drinks, or receding gums. In these cases, sensitive teeth solutions are relatively easy.

 

Eroded Enamel

Enamel is the hard, white part of the tooth that covers up the underlying nerves, pulp, and dentin. Over time it can erode.

Acidic foods and drinks like coffee, alcohol and pop all contribute to enamel erosion. Even seemingly innocuous habits like adding lemon juice to water on a regular basis can cause it.

Grinding your teeth, taking antihistamines regularly, and genetics are other contributing factors.

 

Receding Gums

Gum tissues do recede with age, which is why older adults suffer from tooth sensitivity more often than others.

Additional contributing factors include brushing too hard, gum disease, misaligned teeth, and gum or lip piercings.

 

Larger Underlying Problems Associated With Sensitive Teeth

However, if you have sensitive teeth, the problem could indicate more serious issues.

 

Cracked Tooth

When teeth are cracked, the delicate nerves inside are more exposed, which can lead to sensitivity. Sometimes, cracks aren’t visible to the naked eye, and need to be diagnosed by a dentist.

Symptoms of cracked teeth include sudden pain when eating sweet things, pain when chewing, and swollen gums around a particular tooth.

 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka GERD) occurs when stomach acids repeatedly travel up the esophagus.

In mild cases, people can manage it with medication or changes to their daily routines. Surgery is sometimes indicated in more severe cases.

Symptoms of GERD include having a sour taste in the mouth, especially after lying down, heartburn after eating, or chest pain. If you think you may have it, make an appointment with a health professional.

 

Tooth Decay

Cavities can also cause sensitivity. It can be difficult to tell if a tooth is just sensitive, or if decay is the underlying cause. If pain is localized in one tooth, and persists over a long period of time, decay might be indicated.

The best way to find out is to book a dental check-up.

 

How To Avoid Developing Tooth Sensitivity

In many cases, tooth sensitivity can be avoided by making relatively easy changes to your lifestyle.

 

Practice Good Oral Health

Make sure to brush your teeth regularly, at least twice every day. Consider using a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth.

Be sure to brush gently in a circular motion over the teeth and gum line.

Flossing is also important to remove food between teeth and reduce plaque buildup. It also helps promote gum health. Floss at least once every day.

 

Skip Harmful Foods And Drinks

Avoid acidic, sugary, and alcoholic drinks. If you can’t cut these out of your diet entirely, try to reduce them. Cut your twice-a-day coffee or soft drink habit to once every day. Every little bit helps.

Sugary and acidic foods can also be problematic when consumed too often. Cut back on the candy and chocolate, or save them for special occasions. If you do eat sugary foods, swish water in your mouth, or brush your teeth after eating to prevent problems.

 

Schedule A Check-Up

Regular check-ups are a great way to keep on top of your oral health. Your dentist can answer any questions you have, offer solutions for relief from tooth sensitivity, and stay on the look-out for potential problems.

If you do have sensitivity, a dentist can confirm whether it’s mild, or something to be more concerned about. Dentists can also help assess what may be at the root of the problem (no pun intended), and how to heal it.

 

Takeaway

Oral health is an essential part of a happy and healthy life. Getting regular dental care helps you sustain your quality of life so you can go ahead and enjoy the good things in life worry-free.

If you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, not to worry. Dr. El-Majzoub is an experienced dentist who provides compassionate care. Book an appointment today!