The importance of your Pearlies is obvious! Teeth are very soft organs, which are essential for chewing and swallowing food. People have teeth just some months after their birth, and keep them throughout their lifetime. Teeth also play a crucial role in digestion, speech, and appearance. However, excessive brushing can lead to sensitive teeth. A person’s oral health depends on the condition of his teeth, so it is vital to treat any dental problem immediately.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Some common causes that lead to teeth sensitivity include the following:
Using too much mouthwash: Sensitivity caused by mouthwash is temporary as it wears off after a few days. It may start as a mild sensation and progress to pain over time. Sensitivities caused by using too much mouthwash are common among teenagers, who tend to brush their teeth multiple times per day. Over-sensitivity can cause painful abscesses if not stopped, so excessive use should be avoided at all costs.
Consuming acidic foods: Acid-rich drinks and foods can cause the erosion of teeth enamel and can lead to exposure of ‘dentin’ - the tender layer underneath it. So, shun the acid, and start healthy snacking!
Using tooth whiteners: Teeth sensitivity can also be a result of using teeth whiteners. Teeth whiteners have an effect only a short time depending on how much they stain, but they do wear off eventually since they bleach the surface of your teeth. The effect wears off quickly since whiteners contain hydrofluoric acid instead of peroxides which break down existing stains.
Using wrong toothpaste: Sensitivity caused by wrong toothpaste is easily recognized since most brands contain abrasives designed for cleaning between teeth instead of on them. This type of sensitivity usually goes away once the wrong product is replaced with an appropriate one such as dentifrice designed for oral hygiene instead of those used for cleaning between teeth.
Receding gums: Sensitivity caused by receding gums is permanent as the gum line moves farther back into the mouth after age causes it.
Brushing teeth very hard: Sensitivity caused by brushing too hard also causes damage to your enamel, but this type of sensitivity is reversible if you stop doing so immediately.
Tooth decay: Sensitivity caused by tooth decay or damaged enamel is permanent as well since the nerve endings are affected when there is damage in your enamel layer.
Quick Tips
Using a fluoride rinse will also help protect your teeth from decay if you have sensitive teeth because fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protects soft teeth from more decay beneath it. Prolonged sensitivity causes pain that cannot be removed by toothpaste or mouthwash alone. You should take care of your teeth if you experience this type of tooth sensitivity as this will help keep you from getting pain from eating acidic foods that affect your nerve endings more than usual.
Contact 1Health If the Problem Persists!
Sensitivity caused by incorrect products, incorrect brushing habits and decay under gums can be treated; however, excessive damage done permanently due to these causes cannot be reversed. To reduce tooth sensitivity, you should seek dental care to remove the source of your problem; decayed teeth or gum recession, and replace your fillings or whiten your teeth temporarily until your dentist clears you for it.