5 Possible Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Your teeth are composed of a hard exterior layer called enamel and a soft inner layer called dentin, which contains tubules that connect to your tooth’s nerves. If your tooth enamel is compromised by decay or damage, substances from the outer layer can enter the dentin’s tubules, triggering nerve sensitivity. At Seasons Dental, we can help you find the cause of your sensitivity issues and obtain the appropriate tooth sensitivity treatment. 

In this post, Dr. Chad Bodily lists five possible causes of tooth sensitivity and what you can do to minimize painful symptoms:

1. Aggressive Brushing 

Toothbrushing is essential to maintaining good oral health. How you brush, however, can make a big difference in the health of your gums and teeth. Forceful brushing can cause more harm than good, as it can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth, making your teeth more prone to sensitivity. Hard toothbrushes are also detrimental to oral health as they can damage gums or teeth. Using a soft-bristle brush and changing your brushing techniques can help prevent tooth sensitivity. 

2. Receding Gums

Gum recession occurs when your gums separate from your teeth, revealing the roots of your teeth. This leaves your teeth unprotected from hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods, which can trigger sensitivity. Some common causes of receding gums are poor oral hygiene, aggressive toothbrushing, bruxism, and gum disease. Dr. Bodily will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine the cause of gum recession so you can take measures to correct the problem and minimize sensitivity.

3. Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is yet another common cause of sensitivity. Teeth clenching and grinding often occur at night while sleeping, but the repercussions of frequent headaches, earaches, and jaw pain can be felt the next day. Bruxism can also cause undue wear on your teeth, exposing the dentin to substances that cause sensitivity. A night guard is a device you can wear over your teeth to control teeth grinding and prevent sensitivity. Dr. Bodily can custom-design a night guard for your use.  

4. Dietary Choices

People who constantly eat acidic or sugar-filled foods are at greater risk of sensitivity as these foods can, over time, erode your tooth enamel, providing access to the dentin within. Sugary foods also put you at greater risk of decay as sugar contributes to the production of plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help protect your teeth from erosion and decay to prevent sensitivity. 

5. Infected Tooth 

Oral infections can lead to tooth sensitivity, particularly if the infection has infiltrated the pulp of your tooth. You may feel sharp pain when you chew or your tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods. By performing a root canal, Dr. Bodily can help ease your pain and sensitivity and restore the health of your tooth.

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Near Me

To learn more about tooth sensitivity treatment in Burley, ID, contact Dr. Chad Bodily from Seasons Dental at (208) 430-9555.