Sensitive teeth are annoying; they make it harder for you to enjoy your favorite hot and cold foods, such as ice cream, coffee, and other treats. If you’ve never struggled with sensitive teeth before, but now suddenly suffer when your teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, you may be wondering why you are facing this problem. We have listed 12 possible reasons behind this annoying problem for you.
Your Search for a Whiter Smile
Sensitivity is a side effect of many teeth whitening products. It’s usually temporary, but you still need to be careful not to overuse whitening strips or whitening gels so you don’t accidentally cause long-term problems with your teeth.
Your Diet
Eating too many hard or acidic foods can damage tooth enamel, making it easier for hot and cold substances to irritate the delicate inner layers of your teeth.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth is very important, but if you are too enthusiastic about your oral hygiene routine, you can damage your tooth enamel. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush and always be gentle when cleaning your dishes.
Chewing Ice
Ice is a crunchy, no-calorie snack, but it’s very bad for your teeth. It is so hard that over time it can crack your enamel or cause sensitivity by eroding your teeth.
Gum Problems
When your gums recede or you have gum disease, you may notice that your teeth become more sensitive.
Bruises
Even a small gap can expose the inner layers of your tooth and cause sensitivity. You may need to go to your dentist for a filling.
Dental Work
Some dental procedures can increase sensitivity by causing swelling of the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth). This usually goes away after a few days or weeks.
Split Tooth
When a tooth breaks or cracks, it can become extremely sensitive. This is a dental emergency that usually requires immediate attention.
Eating or Digestive Disorders
The frequent vomiting that accompanies some ailments exposes the teeth to too much acid, which can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.
Sinus Problems
A sinus infection causes swelling that can make your teeth more sensitive than normal.
Cold Weather
The cold weather of winter can irritate your teeth and trigger sensitivity pains.
Stress
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common side effect of stress. Continuous grinding can damage tooth enamel and thus cause sensitivity.
Don’t Postpone Your Tooth Sensitivity!
If you have a sudden sensitivity in your teeth, you should not underestimate the problem. It is important to visit your dentist so they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend a treatment. You may need something as simple as a desensitizing toothpaste, or you may need some major dental treatment. In any case, the goal is to get your smile back to feeling great.
