When you consume a lot of acidic foods, it can slowly wear down the protective enamel that covers your teeth. This exposes the nerves and dentin, causing pain on contact with hot or cold food items. Citrus and tomato products are top offenders, so you should try to drink water when you consume them and wait a bit before brushing your teeth.
2. Brushing too hard
When you scrub your teeth too hard, you can create sensitive teeth by damaging the enamel and causing your gums to recede, which exposes the sensitive root area. Applying too much force or using a rough bristled brush can cause this sensitizing damage, so it’s important to pay attention to your oral health routine, always be gentle, and use a soft bristled brush. You can also use a toothpaste that is specifically for sensitive teeth, which will reduce some of the discomfort over time.
3. Whitening teeth too frequently
When overused, teeth whitening products can penetrate the enamel of your teeth, which is what causes the sharp pain, and later, the increased sensitivity of your teeth. Whitening your teeth is generally safe and effective, but at-home products are frequently misused. If you experience any pain or sensitivity, you should discontinue use at once. These products are only supposed to be used every few months, so make sure you’re following the guidelines on the package.
4. Untreated gum disease
Gum recession, caused by periodontitis (gum disease), exposes the sensitive root area of your teeth if left unchecked. This disease will only get worse if you don’t take steps to treat it. These steps can be as simple as following your oral health routine more closely or getting a deep cleaning from a periodontist.
If you feel that your sensitive teeth are due to unhealthy teeth or gums, contact a periodontist like Dr. Kenzik in Ormond Beach to schedule a consultation. Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking unbearable, so don’t keep waiting for it to get better on it’s own as there may be a more serious issue that requires treatment.