7 Common Reasons Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

Common Reasons
Your Teeth May Be
Sensitive

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
If you’re at all conscious of the brands and types of toothpaste you buy,
you’ll have noticed there are some that cater specifically to sensitive
teeth. Studies suggest that 45% of Australian households have at least
one person with sensitive teeth. If you’re one of them, this post could
help you understand the reasons better. And if you’re not, you’ll learn
how to avoid tooth sensitivity.
www.healthysmiles.com.au | 03 9877 2035|info@healthysmiles.com.au

So what exactly is tooth sensitivity?

It’s a fairly common condition which expresses itself as pain felt when
eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. The reason for
this pain is exposed dentin. Now at the risk of making this sound like a
lecture, we’ll explain the very basics that you need to know to properly
understand your sensitive teeth. Dentin is the inner substance of your
teeth, covered by the hard external enamel layer.

This inner substance contains tiny tunnels linking to the nerves inside
your tooth. When the enamel wears down, dentin is exposed,
particularly close to the gumline, meaning that these tiny tunnels are
now also exposed to temperature and food which stimulates the nerves
and causes the pain you feel.

Here we explore 7 of the most common
reasons for sensitive teeth.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAYwww.healthysmiles.com.au | 03 9877 2035|info@healthysmiles.com.au
Aggressive brushing1

While brushing after meals is definitely
a good thing, this needs to be done
right. If you use too much force, or if
your toothbrush has bristles that are
too hard, the protective enamel layer on
your teeth can actually be worn down.
Aggressive brushing can also lead to
gum recession.

This eventually results in exposed dentin and greater exposure of
your nerves to changes in temperature and pressure.

Overconsumption of Acidic Foods &
Beverages
2

Foods and beverages with high acidic
content include tomato products, citrus
fruits, pickles, tea, sports drinks, and
carbonated drinks just to name a few.
These foods and beverages increase
erosion of enamel and exposure of
dentin, and contribute to greater tooth
sensitivity.

Carbonated drinks are unhealthy in general, and should be
eliminated from your diet. However, by no means should you
completely cut out citrus fruits and other healthy but acidic foods.
In such cases, it’s helpful to counteract the acidic effects with
cheese, bananas, milk and other foods low in acidic content.

Grinding and/or clenching teeth3

While it’s true that enamel is the
hardest substance in the human body,
it’s not indestructible, as anyone who’s
had unfortunate incidents with broken
teeth will tell you.

Grinding and/or clenching your teeth may not show immediate
effects but over time, these habits wear down the enamel on teeth,
exposing the inner dentin and nerves, and resulting in sensitive
teeth. These habits can be stopped with mouth guards and
conscious lifestyle changes.

Overuse of toothpaste and/or
mouthwash
4

Yes, toothpaste and mouthwash can in
fact be harmful if overused. Many tooth
whiteners, whitening toothpastes and
some mouthwashes have peroxide-
based bleaching solutions, acids,
alcohol and other chemicals that
remove stains. These stain-removing
chemicals also remove the enamel on
your teeth.

Not only does this expose your dentin layer and nerves, it also
exacerbates pre-existing tooth sensitivity by further damaging the
dentin layer. When in doubt about the kind of toothpaste and
mouthwash you should use, always check with your dentist!

Gum recession5

Gingivitis and periodontal disease, also
known as gum inflammation and
disease respectively, lead to the gum
layer receding away from the teeth.
Both of these mean increased exposure
of the sensitive roots. These roots carry
temperature and pressure changes to
the nerve centre.

It will come as no surprise then that people suffering from gum
inflammation and disease thus face increased tooth sensitivity.
Receding gums need professional dental care, so again, speak with
your dentist and don’t skip your regular check-ups!

Sensitivity after dental procedures6

Although it sounds unfair, teeth can
often become slightly more sensitive
after dental procedures such as root
canals, extractions, replacement
crowns, and restorations, to name a
few. However, this pain will usually
subside in about four to six weeks.

If the sensitivity persists, it could be a sign of something more
serious, and another dentist’s visit will help you identify the cause
of the continued tooth sensitivity.

Cracked or decayed teeth7

Cracked or broken teeth mean that the
nerve centre is more exposed, resulting
in pain when you chew. These cracks, if
left untreated, become filled with
bacteria from plaque and cause
inflammation in the nerve centre.

Bacterial accumulation also leads to build up of acid and wearing
down of the enamel layer. Cavities and decaying teeth expose the
dentin layer as well as the roots of your teeth. Overall, cavities,
cracks and worn down fillings in teeth all contribute to sensitive
teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth and are wondering why, we hope this
post has addressed some of the concerns. Tooth sensitivity can be
treated in a range of different ways, depending on your particular
situation. At the end of the day, there’s nobody better equipped to
address your needs than your dentist.

If you’d like to find out more about our treatments or speak to
someone about any tooth sensitivity or pain you may have been
experiencing, feel free to give Healthy Smiles Dental Group a call at
03 9877 2035, or drop us an email at info@healthysmiles.com.au
for a free no-obligation consultation!

For more information, click on
http://www.healthysmiles.com.au/blog/general-treatment/7-
common-reasons-your-teeth-may-be-sensitive/

150 Canterbury Road
Blackburn South Vic 3130
Phone No - 03 9877 2035
Email - info@healthysmiles.com.au
Website - http://www.healthysmiles.com.au/
Healthy Smiles

7 Common Reasons Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

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7 Common Reasons Your Teeth May Be Sensitive