Have you ever experienced tooth sensitivity? It’s that painful sensation that some of us feel after biting into a popsicle or taking a big sip of hot coffee. If you feel pain after eating/drinking hot and cold foods, you likely have tooth sensitivity. You might be wondering where it comes from and why it only happens to some of us. There are several reasons, but let’s go over the 5 most common culprits.
Too Much Mouthwash
Using too much mouthwash can make your teeth extremely sensitive. But, not all mouthwashes are bad. Many types of mouthwash on the market are highly acidic, which is what makes your teeth sensitive. If you are an avid mouthwash user and have been experiencing tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist and together you can find a mouthwash that can improve your sensitivity instead of making it worse.
Too Much Whitening
Whitening treatments are safe for your teeth — that is if you don’t use them too frequently and you’re using the right kinds. Whiteners that use peroxide-based bleaching can leave your teeth feeling extra sensitive. If this is you, cut back on whitening and see if you notice a difference. And as always, talk to your dentist about alternative whitening options that won’t cause sensitivity.
Acidic Foods
What if we told you that the acidic foods you’re eating could be the cause of your tooth sensitivity? That’s right, tomatoes, citrus fruits, wine, and more can be the cause of the pain and annoyance. If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, try cutting down or eliminating highly acidic food and you’ll likely feel a noticeable difference in sensitivity levels.
Teeth Grinding
Most people aren’t even aware they grind their teeth at night. If you’re experiencing unwarranted sensitivity, teeth grinding could be the reason. Enamel is strong but it’s no match for our powerful jaws. Your enamel will begin wearing down and sensitivity will occur. Another common symptom of teeth grinding is regularly waking up with a headache. If these symptoms sound familiar, ask your dentist to look for signs of grinding, and for recommendations to ease your pain or, better yet, prevent it.
Gum Disease
The final common culprit of tooth sensitivity is gum disease or Gingivitis. When you have gum disease, your gums become inflamed and sore, and you might also notice sensitivity. The sensitivity is normally caused by loss of supporting ligaments and can be quite painful. If you suspect you might have Gingivitis, contact your dentist immediately.
Now that you are familiar with the common causes of tooth sensitivity, you should be better prepared to decrease sensitivity by changing your habits. If the cause is anything beyond that, contact Southlake Family Dentistry.