Potential Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Do you ever experience sensitivity or pain when you bite into something too hot or too cold? Are you ever hesitant to talk or smile because you worry about exposing your teeth to the cold? Did you know that regardless of how long you’ve dealt with tooth sensitivity, there may be something you can do to alleviate your discomfort? But before you can address sensitive teeth, you should know what causes it.
Would you be surprised to learn that your teeth could be sensitive because you are brushing too hard? In reality, if you brush too hard, you’re probably doing more harm than good. If this happens for too long, you could wear down your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). This will expose your dentin. And because dentin is linked to your nerves, exposed dentin leads to sensitivity.
Similarly, your teeth could be sensitive because you grind your teeth. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly grind their teeth while they are sleeping. When you grind, the ligaments that connect your jaw and teeth get inflamed. This aggravates your nerves and makes your mouth more vulnerable to temperature sensitivity.
Luckily, if you are struggling with sensitivity, we can help. If your problem stems from teeth grinding, your dentist may offer a variety of options for you. For instance, your dentist may provide you with a custom dental appliance such as a splint or a custom mouthguard. These appliances will be custom made to fit your smile. Your dentist may also help you learn to stop grinding your teeth.
You may also need to focus on a diet that is high in calcium which will strengthen your teeth. You should also avoid highly acid foods and drinks.
If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact East Texas Dental Group LLC at 903-509-0505. Drs. Lebo, Compton, Halberstadt and our entire team are excited to hear from you.
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