Dealing With Tooth Sensitivity - Part 3
Jun 21, 2016 @ 12:02 PM — by Roger B. Parkes, DMD
Dental Sensitivity can be caused from many variables. These can include but are not limited to the following:
Over-brushing or assertive brushing - If you brush too forcefully, with a side-to-side approach or are using a toothbrush that is too hard, the enamel may well be thinned and the area surrounding the gum-line is usually impacted.
Periodontal recession/gum disease - This can occur naturally over time, where the gums retract leaving root dentin exposed and unprotected by enamel.
Inadequate oral hygiene - This can cause tooth cavities, and/or plaque as well as tartar accumulation, triggering gum recession.
Grinding - This may also cause 'aching' teeth, due to nonstop pressure on them. Similar to erosion, normal teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) may erode the enamel by physically grinding it away.
Medical problems - Bulimia and acid reflux (GERD) can cause acid to accumulate within the mouth and wear down enamel, resulting in sensitive teeth.
Acidic food - Foods having high acid content, such as fruits, pickles as well as tea, may create enamel erosion with frequent consumption.
Teeth whitening - Tenderness is one of the usual side effects of whitening. This usually heals not long after the whitening has ended.
Bad habits - Making use of teeth as tools or biting on objects (e.g., pencils) may erode tooth enamel too.
Teeth may become sensitive for several factors ranging from trauma to dental disease. The primary step in managing sensitive teeth is to determine the source. At The Periodontal Associates Of Jackson, our team will inspect your teeth and aim to identify the reason.
To learn more or to schedule a visit in order to review your sensitive teeth feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.