Does it hurt your teeth to eat something too hot or eat something too cold? If so, it is incredibly likely that you have sensitive teeth. Also known as dentine hypersensitivity, sensitive teeth come in the form of sharp pain that you get from eating such foods, and it can also come from other things, such as if your teeth are in contact with metal, an acidic substance, and so on.

So, why is tooth sensitivity there in the first place? What caused tooth sensitivity? There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, and the following are just a few examples:

1. Bruxism

If you have been known to grind and clench your teeth together, then this has the potential to result in tooth sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can cause the enamel on your teeth to get wear and tear, which will allow the dentin, or the part that lies beneath the enamel, to become exposed. This is where the nerves are, which is why your teeth will begin to hurt when it is exposed.

2. Rough Brushing

You may have heard that you need to brush thoroughly to keep your teeth clean, but if you brush too hard, you may actually be doing more harm than good. Brushing too hard can actually result in the hard coating on your teeth and your gums to breakdown, which, as you might have guessed, can cause your teeth to be sensitive. So, if you realize that you’re brushing your teeth too hard, apply less pressure. This also applies to violent flossing, where you need to ease it to not damage your teeth and gums.

3. Eating Acidic Food

When you eat something that is acidic, it also has the potential to strip the enamel on your teeth, which can then result in your teeth becoming sensitive. The acids in these foods can cause the enamel to become soft and will not be able to protect yourself from the dentin underneath the enamel. In addition, the acids can also cause the gums to become inflamed and sensitive, leading to heightened teeth sensitivity.

4. Damaged Teeth

It is important to remember that teeth left damaged and left that way can result in tooth sensitivity. As such, if you have teeth that need to be restored, it is best that you get them done as soon as possible. However, if you wait until you get them fixed, the teeth can also become sensitive due to the fact that they’re not as strong as they should be.

5. Cavities

If you have cavities in your teeth because of certain foods that you eat on a regular basis, then these cavities are also going to result in tooth sensitivity. The cavities will expose the nerves inside your teeth, which can then result in your teeth becoming sensitive. Things can get worse, however, if the nerves in the teeth also get infected. In that case, you will really need to visit the dentist for help!

Conclusion

So, if you’re one of the millions of people who are suffering from tooth sensitivity, don’t waste any time! You need to go to the dentist right away. They can help you understand what’s causing your teeth to be sensitive and can work with you to help restore your teeth and help you get back on track to keep your teeth resistant to hot foods and more!

Liberia Dental Care offers unique dental treatments to help patients of any age enjoy great oral health. If you are looking for the best dentist in Manassas, book an appointment with us today!