It hurts to drink cold water, it’s painful to chew candy, and sometimes your teeth just seem to ache out of nowhere, should you be worried? Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be caused by numerous things that aren’t serious.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is caused by numerous circumstances. While it’s totally possible your teeth might be sensitive due to a cavity, sensitive teeth can also be caused by brushing too hard, a toothbrush with bristles that are too tough, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, and regularly eating or drinking acidic foods. Disorders like gastroparesis, belumia, or gastroesophageal reflux can also contribute to wearing down tooth enamel due to the frequent vomiting the conditions cause. Other causes could be gum recession, which is common in individuals with gum disease.
Your tooth will also be sensitive if it is chipped or broken. When the enamel is worn down and exposes the dentin or the nerve, causing extreme sensitivity. In cases like this, you’ll need to either replace the tooth with an implant or restore the tooth.
What To Do About Sensitive Teeth
If you’ve noticed your teeth are particularly more sensitive than ever before, it’s a great time to investigate the cause by visiting your dentist. We’ll check your teeth with x-rays and an exam. If we find a cavity, it could explain the sensitivity, but that’s not always the case.
If we don’t find a cavity, the sensitivity is caused by something less serious. Toothpastes designed to decrease sensitivity can help, as can changing your diet or teeth grinding habits. My Dental Dentistry & Implants will help you identify the problem and offer possible solutions.