The Causes of Teeth Sensitivity and How to Avoid It

If you find yourself in pain when enjoying some ice cream, hot soup, or sweet and sour foods, you probably have sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity is a common condition involving pain or discomfort in response to certain foods coming into contact with the teeth. 

Our team at Korte Family Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska, has put together a list of causes of teeth sensitivity and some tips on how to avoid it below.

Causes of Teeth Sensitivity

When the protective layer of your tooth thins down or wears away, it exposes the underlying layers and can cause sensitivity. You might experience sensitivity in one tooth or several, and the pain and discomfort associated with it can either be persistent or sporadic. 

Here are the most common causes of teeth sensitivity:

Oral Habits

Improper brushing and flossing as well as the frequent use of chemical teeth whiteners can cause teeth sensitivity. A hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard, especially from side to side and along the gum line, can wear away your enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable.

Enamel Deterioration

A chip or crack in your enamel can result in tooth sensitivity. The acids in certain foods and drinks like soda and starchy and sugary foods also have a corrosive effect on enamel and can render a tooth sensitive as well as lead to decay. 

Medical conditions like gastroesophageal disease (GERD) bring stomach acids up the esophagus and into the mouth and can also damage the enamel.

Apart from these, clenching your teeth when you are angry or stressed or grinding your teeth in your sleep can cause the tooth enamel to wear over time.

How to Prevent Teeth Sensitivity 

Visit your dentist regularly to assess your general dental health. The right oral hygiene routine can prevent several dental issues, including teeth sensitivity. 

Here are a few ways to prevent teeth sensitivity:

• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle
• Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash, limiting its usage to prevent enamel wear
• Consume fewer starchy, acidic, or sugary foods and drinks
• Consciously avoid clenching your teeth or use splints and mouthguards to minimize teeth grinding in your sleep
• People with chronic GERD should consider using acid reducers

To learn more about the causes of teeth sensitivity and how to avoid it, contact Korte Family Dentistry at (402) 489-3115 or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506.