Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. According to the Academy of General Dentistry nearly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity.
It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Naturally, over time the enamel on your teeth wears down leaving the more sensitive and porous inner layer exposed. Factors other than age, often factors that are controllable, can cause enamel to wear down more quickly and result in sensitive teeth.
Here are some reasons why you could be experiencing this mouth malady — and what steps you should take to ease the pain:
- You may be brushing with too much force! Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or with too hard-bristled a toothbrush. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.
- You grind your teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, even though it’s the strongest substance in your body. Grinding your teeth, or bruxism affects millions of adults and children.
- You may have gum disease.Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health), can cause tooth sensitivity. More than three-quarters of American adults over age 35 get periodontal (gum) disease. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself.
Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask our staff at Southport Dental if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.
We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.
About Southport Dental PC
New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.
Contact us today to learn more.