Causes of teeth and Gum sensitivity and How to avoid it.

Do you experience sharp, sudden pain or discomfort when you consume hot or cold foods or drinks or brush your teeth? If so, you may be experiencing teeth and gum sensitivity.   

Teeth and gum sensitivity can be uncomfortable and painful dental issue that affects many people. You may have sensitivity if you've ever experienced a sudden sharp pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Teeth and gum sensitivity occurs when the enamel on your teeth, which is the protective outer layer, wears away, exposing the underlying dentin and nerves. This can be caused by various factors, such as overbrushing, gum recession, tooth decay, tooth fractures, acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, and plaque buildup. The good news is that teeth and gum sensitivity is often preventable and treatable with proper dental care and a few lifestyle changes.   

These factors can wear away the enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain. However, you can take steps to avoid sensitivity and keep your teeth and gums healthy. By understanding the causes of teeth and gum sensitivity and taking preventive measures, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, wearing a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and pain-free.  

Here in this blog, we will uncover the causes of teeth and gum sensitivity and tips to avoid it.   

Causes of Teeth and Gum Sensitivity  

Here we will highlight some significant causes of teeth and gum sensitivity.   

Overbrushing 

One common cause of teeth and gum sensitivity is overbrushing. Brushing too hard or too frequently can wear away the enamel, exposing the sensitive layer of dentin. To avoid overbrushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently and in circular motions.  

Gum Recession 

Gum recession, the process of the gums pulling back from the teeth, can also cause teeth and gum sensitivity. This can occur due to gum disease or aggressive brushing. To prevent gum recession, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing your teeth too hard.  

Tooth Decay and Cavities 

Tooth decay and cavities can also cause tooth and gum sensitivity. When the enamel and dentin wear away due to decay, the nerves in the tooth can become exposed, leading to sensitivity. To avoid tooth decay and cavities, brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for routine checkups.  

Tooth Fractures and Cracks

Tooth fractures and cracks can expose the sensitive layer of dentin and nerves, leading to teeth and gum sensitivity. To avoid tooth fractures and cracks, avoid biting down on complex objects, such as ice or hard candy, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports.

Acidic Foods and Drinks 

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda, can erode the enamel, exposing the dentin and nerves and causing teeth and gum sensitivity. To avoid sensitivity caused by acidic foods and drinks, limit your consumption or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.  

Teeth Grinding 

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear away the enamel and expose the sensitive layer of dentin. To avoid teeth grinding, wear a mouthguard at night or during the day if you grind your teeth while awake. Also, reduce your stress levels, which can contribute to teeth grinding.  

Plaque Buildup 

Plaque buildup can cause inflammation and sensitivity in the gums, leading to teeth and gum sensitivity. To avoid plaque buildup, brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for frequent cleanings.  

How to Avoid Teeth and Gum Sensitivity?  

This blog section will highlight tips to avoid teeth and gum sensitivity.   

• Brush and Floss Regularly 

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently and in circular motions. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, tops, and gumline. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and gums, which a toothbrush can't reach.  

• Use a Fluoride Toothpaste  

Fluoride is a mineral that can help replace the minerals lost from your teeth when exposed to acid from bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen your enamel and protect against tooth decay, which can cause sensitivity. This can help remineralize your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay.  

• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush 

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps avoid overbrushing and gum recession, which can cause sensitivity. A soft-bristled toothbrush can help remove plaque and debris without damaging your enamel or gums. When brushing, use gentle circular motions and avoid brushing too hard.

• Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks 

Limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda, can erode the enamel and expose the dentin and nerves, causing sensitivity. If you consume acidic foods and drinks, drink water afterward to help neutralize the acid in your mouth.  

• Use a Mouthguard to Prevent Teeth Grinding 

A mouthguard can help absorb the pressure of grinding, protecting your teeth from wear and damage. If you grind your teeth, especially at night, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and prevent sensitivity. You can get a custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist, or you can purchase an over-the-counter mouthguard.  

• Reduce Stress 

Stress can contribute to teeth grinding and clenching, which can cause sensitivity. Finding ways to reduce stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or counseling, can help prevent teeth grinding and reduce sensitivity.  

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly  

Regular dental checkups can help detect and treat any dental issues causing sensitivity. Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist. Your dentist can also clean your teeth and remove any plaque buildup contributing to sensitivity.  

These tips can help prevent teeth and gum sensitivity and keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you experience persistent or severe sensitivity, consult your dentist, who can diagnose and treat the underlying issue.  

Conclusion   

In conclusion, teeth and gum sensitivity is a common dental issue that can cause discomfort and pain. Understanding the causes of teeth and gum sensitivity, such as overbrushing, gum recession, tooth decay, tooth fractures, acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, and plaque buildup can help you prevent and manage this condition. Following the tips outlined in this blog post, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid sensitivity. If you experience persistent or severe sensitivity, consult your dentist, who can diagnose and treat the underlying issue.

Contact your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Lafayette Dental Group, to know more about the causes of teeth and gum sensitivity and how to avoid it.

Resource:

How to get rid of yellow teeth?

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*