FAQs about Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity can make it difficult to keep your dental hygiene on track. For some people with teeth sensitivity, just brushing their teeth is painful. If you suffer from this dental condition, here is what you need to know. 

Q. What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?

A. There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of teeth sensitivity. One possible reason is how you brush your teeth. If you are brushing your teeth too hard or with the wrong toothbrush, you could be damaging the protective enamel on them. As a result, you can experience heightened sensitivity. 

Another possible culprit is the product you are using to keep your hygiene intact. Tooth-whitening toothpaste and some types of mouthwash can contain chemicals that are too damaging to your teeth. Using mouthwash is fine, but if you are using too much, the alcohol in the rinse could be harmful. 

There are several other factors that could lead to sensitivity, including these:

• gum disease
• acidic foods
• teeth grinding 
• recent dental work

If you experience sensitivity, ignoring the problem does not necessarily mean it will go away. You may have to take action to reduce it. 

Q. What Can You Do about Teeth Sensitivity?

A. How you respond to teeth sensitivity depends on the reason for it. For instance, if the dental products you are using are to blame, try new products. Instead of using tooth-whitening toothpaste, use a regular toothpaste and look for mouthwash that is alcohol-free. 

You can also try to brush your teeth more softly and switch from a hard-bristled brush to a soft one. The soft-bristled brush is just as effective in removing bacteria and other harmful substances from your teeth. 

If you recently had a dental procedure performed, the sensitivity of your teeth in that area should disappear over time. If it does not, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination.

Teeth grinding also requires a consultation with the dentist. Teeth grinding not only leads to the enamel being rubbed from your teeth, but it can impact your nerves. Your dentist can help fit you with a custom mouth guard that you can wear while sleeping to prevent grinding. 

If the sensitivity continues, assess your diet. If you eat a high number of acidic foods, remove them from your diet to keep the acid from impacting your teeth's enamel. Any acidic drinks you consume, such as carbonated soda, should be drunk through a straw to avoid getting the liquid on your teeth. 

Your dentist can help you determine what other measures you can take to protect your teeth and alleviate the teeth sensitivity related symptoms you are experiencing. Get in touch with a dentist through a website like http://www.pldduluth.com/.