7 Common Reasons Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

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7
Common Reasons Your Teeth May Be Sensitive
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If youre at all conscious of the brands and
types of toothpaste you buy, youll 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 youre one of them, this
post could help you understand the reasons
better. And if youre not, youll learn how to
avoid tooth sensitivity.
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So what exactly is tooth sensitivity?
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Its 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, well
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.
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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.
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Here we explore 7 of the most common reasons for
sensitive teeth.
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Aggressive brushing
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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.
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This eventually results in exposed dentin and
greater exposure of your nerves to changes in
temperature and pressure.
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2
Overconsumption of Acidic Foods
Beverages
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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.
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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, its helpful to counteract the acidic
effects with cheese, bananas, milk and other
foods low in acidic content.
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3
Grinding and/or clenching teeth
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While its true that enamel is the hardest
substance in the human body, its not
indestructible, as anyone whos had unfortunate
incidents with broken teeth will tell you.
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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.
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4
Overuse of toothpaste and/or
mouthwash
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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.
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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!
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5
Gum recession
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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.
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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 dont skip your regular
check-ups!
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6
Sensitivity after dental
procedures
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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.
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If the sensitivity persists, it could be a sign
of something more serious, and another dentists
visit will help you identify the cause of the
continued tooth sensitivity.
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Cracked or decayed teeth
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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.
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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.
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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,
theres nobody better equipped to address your
needs than your dentist.
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If youd 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_at_healthysmiles.com.au for a free
no-obligation consultation!
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For more information, click on http//www.healthy
smiles.com.au/blog/general-treatment/7-common-reas
ons-your-teeth-may-be-sensitive/
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