Reasons for sensitive teeth

Are your teeth feeling extra sensitive lately, and does it seem like they're becoming more and more sensitive? Have you worried that your teeth are wearing down or are you hesitant to eat certain foods due to your teeth' sensitivity? If any of these issues have come up for you recently, then this post may be just what you're looking for!

What are sensitive teeth?

Sensitive teeth become irritated easily because of dental disease, tooth erosion, over-the-counter painkillers, and certain foods and drinks. So how do you know if your teeth are becoming more sensitive?

1. Take an oral health history. This is the first step in figuring out what might be causing your teeth to become more sensitive. By talking to your dentist or doctor, they can get a better idea of what's going on with your oral health and make recommendations on how to improve it.


2. Check your tooth sensitivity using a toothache scale. This tool measures how painful different dental treatments are. By determining which treatments cause you pain, you can figure out what might be causing your teeth to become more sensitive.


3. Get checked for dental problems. If you've been experiencing tooth pain for a long time and the sensitivity has not gone away with conservative treatment like mouthwash and over-the-counter painkillers, it might be time to see a dentist in Didsbury for an evaluation. Many times, methods like gum surgery or tooth extractions can help relieve tooth pain and restore oral health in the long run.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help reduce your tooth sensitivity.

Pay attention to your tooth sensitivity levels – If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive than usual, it’s a good idea to track how your tolerance changes over time. In this way, you can identify any trends or patterns in your tooth sensitivity that may suggest a specific cause.

Regularly check your oral hygiene – Poor oral hygiene can lead to an increased risk of developing dental issues, periodontal disease, and developing sensitive teeth. Make sure to brush and floss regularly (at least twice a day), use mouthwash regularly, and avoid eating foods with harmful acids.

Reasons why you have sensitive teeth

There are many possible reasons why your teeth might be becoming more sensitive, but here are five of the most common reasons:

Your teeth are developing too quickly. As your teeth grow and develop, they can become more sensitive to your toothbrush and other irritants in the environment.

You're not flossing enough. When plaque accumulates between your teeth and gums, it can cause tooth sensitivity. Flossing removes this plaque and any bacteria that may be causing sensitivity.

Check for cavities. If you have cavities, the tooth enamel around them is weakened and more likely to cause sensitivity.

You're eating a high-sugar diet. Sugars dissolve tooth enamel making the tooth’s surface more sensitive to stimulation by brushing or chewing. Sugar also feeds harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. 

You have a dry mouth. Inadequate saliva production can lead to dryness and inflammation in the gums, which can cause sensitivity in your teeth. 

You have periodontal disease or another form of gum disease. Periodontal disease destroys the supporting structures around your teeth, leading to gingivitis (a precursor to tooth sensitivity) and other problems associated with gum inflammation.

How to cure sensitive teeth?

If your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive, there are a few solutions you can try. Here are some of the most common causes of teeth sensitivity and how to resolve them:

1. Over-the-counter painkillers or prescription drugs could be the cause of your teeth becoming sensitive. If you’re taking any medications that could affect your teeth, speak with your doctor about modifying the dosage or switching to a different medication.


2. Toothpaste and oral rinses that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) can cause tooth sensitivity. Using toothpaste without SLS can also help prevent tooth sensitivity. To find out if a product contains SLS, read the ingredient list on the product label. If you’re still experiencing tooth sensitivity, search for an oral rinse that doesn’t contain SLS on Amazon or elsewhere.


3. Acidic foods and drinks can also cause tooth sensitivity. Eating acidic foods and drinking excessive amounts of hard water can wear down your teeth's enamel over time, leading to tooth sensitivity. To prevent tooth sensitivity from acidic foods and drinks, limit yourself to consuming minimal amounts of acid-forming foods and drinks gradually over time and drink water that is free of chlorine dioxide.

Tips for handling tooth sensitivity

There are a few things you can do to ease tooth sensitivity. Here are a few tips:

1. Make sure you're getting regular dental check-ups. A good dentist will be able to identify any potential problems and deal with them before they become worse.


2. Rinse your mouth regularly with warm water and mouthwash containing fluoride. Fluoride helps to reduce tooth sensitivity.


3. Be cautious when chewing on tough foods or sweets. Chewing slowly and carefully can help reduce tooth pain and, eventually, tooth sensitivity.


4. Be careful when drinking cold drinks or eating ice cream – both of these can cause painful sensations in your teeth. Refrain from these if you find they cause pain or discomfort.


5. Clean your teeth regularly. Cleaning your teeth removes bacteria and other debris that can exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Use floss and brush properly to remove all the dental plaque from your teeth and gum line. Ask your Didsbury dentist about specific tooth-cleaning products that may be best for you.

How can dentists help with tooth sensitivity?

Dentists play an important role in helping patients with tooth sensitivity. Many factors lead to tooth sensitivity, including diet, oral bacteria, and tooth decay. Didsbury Dentists can diagnose and treat these factors to help restore your oral health. 

Some think that their teeth are getting more sensitive because of age, but in actuality, dental problems might be to blame. Here's how dentists can help with tooth sensitivity:

• Dentists identify the root cause of tooth sensitivity and correct it. 


• If a tooth is sensitive because of an infection, the dentist will treat the infection, and the tooth will become less sensitive. 


• In some cases, a dentist applies a numbing cream to the tooth and uses laser therapy or another treatment method to make it less sensitive.


• Dentists may perform root canal therapy which can improve overall oral health and lead to less sensitivity in teeth.

Contact Didsbury Smiles Dental about sensitive teeth and book an appointment

If you notice that your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive, it might be time to book your dental appointment with Didsbury Smiles Dental. At Didsbury Smiles Dental, our experts will examine your oral health and decide which treatment or dental care is best for you. We'll also recommend ways to prevent future sensitivity episodes from happening. So don't wait – visit your general dentistry clinic in Didsbury today. Do you need emergency dental care, book your emergency dentist in Didsbury appointment with Didsbury Smiles Dental.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, it can be a source of pain and discomfort. Based on this article, there are several reasons why your teeth might be sensitive, including diet and oral care habits, underlying health conditions, and genetics. If you're having trouble dealing with sensitivity in your teeth, schedule an appointment with your nearby dentist to get a dental checkup that will include a tooth sensitivity test.