4 Causes Of Sensitive Teeth
September 30, 2022
Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold foods and beverages, or when you brush your teeth, can be caused by a number of different factors. Not only is this incredibly painful and affects your ability to eat or chew, but it can also be a sign of a more severe underlying dental condition. Here are some of the most common causes behind sensitive teeth that our dental professionals have encountered at Melton Dental Group:
Cavities
Cavities and more severe forms of tooth decay (such as an abscessed tooth, for example), can lead to tooth sensitivity. But not all cavities are obvious or painful, some can go unnoticed until they reach far more advanced and irreversible stages. This is why by general rule of thumb it’s recommended to schedule a checkup with your dentist every 6 months to intercept any form of tooth decay early on. Behind on your next checkup? Call today to book your appointment.
Whitening agents
Over-the-counter whitening products aren’t entirely the safest or most effective way to whiten your teeth. There’s a higher chance of patients experiencing tooth sensitivity when using commercial whitening products as they might be low quality or containing dangerous levels of bleaching agents that eventually erode your enamel. The safest way to whiten your teeth is always with a dental professional.
Gum recession
Since the roots of your teeth aren’t protected by hardened enamel, this makes them far more sensitive. If you have receding gumlines, this will gradually leave your roots exposed to outer stimuli and vulnerable to tooth sensitivity. The treatments we offer for this condition depends on the severity of your case, but includes gum graft, bonding, desensitizing treatment etc.
Wear and tear
Over time, your enamel can gradually erode due to excessive wear (from teeth clenching, for example), or acid erosion (due to an imbalanced/unhealthy dietary component perhaps). As your enamel thins out, this will leave your inner nerves less protected and more reactive to outer stimuli.
Experiencing painful tooth sensitivity and want to treat it? At Melton Dental Group, we’ll help you figure out the underlying cause for your dental condition and come up with the best solution to tackle it!