9 Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Last time, we discussed a specific topic geared towards those musicians out there who are thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry. This week, Dr. Cooper of Contemporary Dental Arts is blogging from his San Jose, CA office to discuss something that everybody has felt at some point in their life, sensitive teeth.

I’m guessing you know what I’m talking about when I say “sensitive teeth.” I don’t mean that they’re easily offended. At one time or another, you’ve probably bitten into an ice cream cone, only to tense up and cringe in pain from the cold. But do you know what bigger problems are causing your sensitive teeth?

Here are 9 factors that could be causing your teeth to feel sore when you eat cold, hot, or sweet foods:

• Excessive Mouthwash. If you’re one of those people who reaches for the Listerine every two minutes, then you might also have sensitive teeth. Some antibacterial mouthwashes actually have acids in them that will make your fragile teeth cry for help every time you eat something cold.

• Excessive Acidic Food. Are you a fan of tomato sandwiches, orange juice, grapefruits, or anything that has a vinegary sour tinge to it? (Coffee even fits into this category. I know, it’s sad because coffee is a delicious nectar.) These are your teeth’s biggest opponents. When you consume too much acidic food and beverages, the acid eats away the outer layer of your teeth and reveals the sensitive layer of your teeth. If you don’t have the will power to cut back on your acidic savory food, then try to raise the pH in your mouth with a basic food like milk or a piece of cheese.

• Harsh Toothpastes and Whiteners. Everybody wants their teeth to be pearly white. When you go to extremes to bleach your teeth or use whitening peroxide-based toothpastes, you’re more likely to have sensitive teeth. Most of the time your teeth will strengthen after you stop using the product. It’s best to ask your dentist to find out what your best teeth whitening options.

• Receding Gums. When you suffer from gum disease, your gums will retreat, exposing the roots of your teeth. The roots of your teeth are incredibly tender. After all, they are responsible for carrying sensations of hot and cold to the pulp of your teeth. So, if you’re suffering from receding gums, then you should contact your dentist right away. Chances are that you’re teeth need immediate attention.

• Brushing Too Hard: I know, this sounds like an oxymoron – that you can actually brush too hard. However, the truth is that sometimes brushing too hard can wear away your enamel and expose the inner-layer of your tooth, dentin. Dentin is incredibly sensitive to hot and cold. Sometimes brushing too hard can also cause your gums to pull away from your tooth root, and make you more susceptible to tooth loss.

• Intense Dental Cleanings. This might sound counter-intuitive, but fresh dental work might be causing your short-term tooth sensitivity. Going to the dentists for cleanings requires the dentist to scrape away plaque and clean around your gums, which might lead to short-term sensitivity. This is a small price to pay for clean, plaque-less teeth. If you’re anxious about your dental cleanings, make sure that you communicate your worries to your dentist.

• Fractured tooth. Sometimes chewing on ice, biting too hard into candy, or having a large filling can lead to a chipped tooth. When a tooth is cracked, it can cause the pulp to become irritated from chewing. Not to mention, the chip can fill with nasty bacteria and cause inflammation and pain.

• Teeth Grinding – Bruxism. Tooth enamel is literally the strongest material in your body. However, your jaw muscle is strong, too. When you grind your teeth, you can wear away the enamel, exposing the sensitive nerves of your teeth. Try a mouth guard, tweak your diet, and try to relax.

• Tooth Decay. This is a no-brainer. Extensive tooth decay, or cavities, will expose your root to all sorts of aggravations, like cold, hot, sugar, and even air. Make sure that you’re going to your dentist regularly, so he can diagnose and treat your cavities and tooth decay.

Contact Us

Don’t ignore your sensitive teeth. You might be tempted to just accept your sensitive teeth as normal, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Talk to us about your teeth sensitivities, and we’ll be able to offer suggestions on what’s causing it and how to treat it. For one, you can try using a softer toothbrush or try using a fluoride mouth rinse. Start eating your occasional ice cream cones in peace again. Contact us for a checkup at 408-740-5317.