| Mountain View Dental

If you find yourself noticing sensitive teeth, avoiding certain foods, or experiencing pain while brushing your teeth, you may be experiencing teeth sensitivity. There are multiple causes of sudden sensitivity, which can even last for weeks and months when not treated accordingly. Taking care of your teeth requires protecting the enamel and working to improve pain and sensitivity. Here are some common causes of teeth sensitivity and how to remedy them.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth

There are many causes for sensitive teeth or sudden sensitivity and not all of them are serious oral issues. Some common causes of teeth sensitivity include:

Gum recession
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Extreme hot or cold foods/drinks
Sinus infection
Recent dental procedures
Tooth grinding
Fractured teeth
Worn fillings

While this list is not comprehensive, you can start by looking at these potential causes to see if your tooth sensitivity is related. Your dentist can also help you remedy your sensitivity and give suggestions on how to improve.

Sensitive Toothpaste

For those who have worn down enamel, decaying teeth, or undetermined sensitivity, an ADA-approved sensitive toothpaste can help. Toothpaste helps to strengthen the enamel and works to treat symptoms of sensitive teeth. Building up the enamel on your teeth covers the roots and nerves that cause teeth sensitivity.

Sensitive toothpaste contains a compound that helps block pain transmission and can help the surface of the tooth. It will often require that you use it for more than one application before your sensitivity subsides.

Soft Bristles

Some patients believe that hard bristles on their toothbrushes will give them a better clean. This is not true, and can actually be the cause of teeth sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled brush and not brushing too hard can help prevent your gums from receding or excessive wear on your teeth.

Brushing side to side on your gum line can make them wear down much quicker, so it is best to use a 45-degree angle while brushing around your gums.

Use A Mouthguard

You may not realize that you grind your teeth in your sleep until you wake up with a sensitive tooth. Addressing stress in your life can help you unclench your teeth and prevent grinding down the enamel. Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep can help stop the overwearing of enamel and protect you from sensitivity.

Use Clove

Using a holistic approach to teeth sensitivity may not work for everyone, but using the oil in clove can help with inflammation problems. The oils are anti-inflammatory, germicidal, and analgesic. They kill the bacteria in your mouth, while also helping to stop the pain you may be experiencing. You can use it as an extract to swish in your mouth and numb the areas with sensitivity. Use it in small amounts or mixed with coconut oil or avocado oil to dilute.

Avoid Problematic Foods

Acidic foods and beverages can cause teeth sensitivity and should be avoided if you feel extra irritation when consuming them. Coffee, soda, citrus fruits, or excessively spicy foods can all cause sensitivity. Try limiting or eliminating these foods from your diet and avoid foods that are overly hot or frozen if you experience teeth sensitivity.

Take A Break From Whitening

Bleaching or whitening your teeth can be another cause of sensitivity. When you are constantly bleaching your teeth, they can break down and become sensitive because of exposed nerves. If you are a consistent teeth whitener, taking a break from the at-home procedure or even one at your dentist for a time may help curb the pain.

When To Call Your Dentist

If you are experiencing bleeding gums or extremely sensitive teeth, it may be time to visit your dentist. If you have tried some home remedies and nothing seems to work, visiting a dentist can help you narrow down the problem and find a permanent solution.

Your dentist will be able to help you learn about softer brushing, recommend a specialist for grinding teeth or other enamel issues, and can help fill cavities or fix fillings that could be leading to teeth sensitivity.