Has
your morning cup of coffee turned on you? Have you given up popsicles and
snow-cones? Increased sensitivity can make eating and drinking miserable. If
your particular issue has nothing to do with decay, do you just have to live
with sensitivity and without hot cocoa and ice cream? What causes tooth
sensitivity and how can you treat it?
Sensitivity happens when the nerves inside the
dentin are exposed to external stimuli. This can be caused by decay as well but
also just wear and tear. How did your teeth become sensitive? The following are
some of the common causes of sensitivity:- Acid Reflux –
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease can have increased
sensitivity. The increase in acid can prevent teeth from remineralizing
properly.
- Gum Recession –
Age, gum disease and/or improper brushing can cause the gums to receed and
expose dentin.
- Tooth Grinding –
Gritting and grinding teeth can wear away the enamel and expose dentin.
- Poor Diet –
Exposing teeth to acidic foods and beverages can eat away enamel.
Luckily,
there are things that can be done to prevent making sensitivity worse. Using a
toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth with a very soft brush and the
correct brushing technique can help prevent further damage. Eliminating or limiting
acidic foods and drinks can also prevent future erosion to your worn enamel.
To
help diminish sensitivity, we can apply fluoride varnish to help strengthen
weakened enamel or, if there is decay, a restoration like a filling or crown
may be necessary.
Don’t
live with the misery of tooth pain. Call us today to determine the cause of
your sensitivity and we’ll put together a plan to stop the pain and discomfort.
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