Sensitive teeth can be extremely painful. For some people, it can be difficult to understand exactly why their teeth become sensitive.
Here are six things that may be causing your tooth sensitivity.
1. You consume acidic foods. Tomato sauce, lemons, kiwi, and grapefruits are acidic foods that can cause pain, especially when the pathways to those tooth nerves are exposed.
2. You grind your teeth. If you are under a great deal of stress and anxiety, you may have a tendency to grind your teeth at night. If you do, it’s wearing down the enamel, which is the strongest substance in your body. This exposes the dentin, or the middle layer of the tooth, which has hollow tubes leading to your nerves. That can certainly increase sensitivity.
3. You use a lot of mouthwash. If you rely on mouthwash and use it too often, it can cause oversensitivity for your teeth. The alcohol in the mouthwash can wear down the enamel and cause serious problems.
4. You rely on teeth whiteners. Tooth whitening toothpaste and other solutions can have the same effect as overusing alcohol-based mouthwash.
5. You brush or your teeth too enthusiastically. If you are using too much force when brushing your teeth, you could be wearing down the enamel and causing problems as mentioned earlier.
6. You rely on a stiff bristled toothbrush. Dentists often recommend either a soft bristled or, at most, medium bristled toothbrush. If you are relying on a hard bristled toothbrush, you’re more apt to be wearing down the enamel much more frequently.
If you have sensitive teeth, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist for a regular checkup. That can help you protect your teeth for the short and long-term aspects of your life.