Does the thought of biting into a cold popsicle make you shudder? Do you wince in pain every time you sip on a warm beverage? If so, you might be like millions of other Americans who are also suffering from tooth sensitivity. Why are your teeth sensitive and what can you do to alleviate the pain? Here are 4 of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.
Grinding your teeth can be detrimental to tooth health and will oftentimes lead to tooth sensitivity. Whether you are grinding your teeth during the day due to stress or you’re doing it in your sleep, grinding wears down the enamel on teeth, exposing the dentin below. Dentin is filled with tiny hollow tubes called dentinal tubules that lead to nerves, so it’s easy to see why grinding can result in tooth sensitivity and pain. If you find that you are grinding your teeth on a regular basis, you might need to consider having a mouth guard custom made for your bite to avoid pain and most importantly, lasting damage to your teeth. Give our office a call at 555-555-5555 to schedule an appointment if you think you might be grinding your teeth.
Brushing your teeth and gums too vigorously is a common cause for tooth sensitivity. Just like grinding your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard also wears down the enamel on your teeth, exposing the sensitive layers below. Eliminate this cause by switching to a soft bristled toothbrush and try to be more aware of the force you are putting against your teeth each time you brush. In fact, hold your toothbrush like a pencil. It’s more difficult to “scrub” when you are holding it this way.
Consuming foods and beverages that are high in acid, like coffee, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, can lead to tooth sensitivity and even tooth erosion down the road. If you find that you are experiencing frequent sensitivity, consider reducing your intake of acids in your diet. Rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming foods and beverages high in acid and then brushing 20 minutes after you rinse will keep the acids from continuing to affect your teeth even after you are finished eating or drinking.
Gum disease can cause gums to recede, exposing more sensitive areas of the tooth. If you notice your gums are receding and causing tooth sensitivity when you brush, floss and eat, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible before more harmful damage results. Our office would be happy to schedule an appointment with you to see if gum disease is what’s causing your pain.Tooth sensitivity is treatable. First consider why you think you might be experiencing it, and if adjustments are made and you continue to feel pain, call our office to schedule an appointment and we’ll get right to work on alleviating your tooth pain.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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