Having sensitive teeth can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful, especially while eating and drinking hot or cold treats. At our Alexandria dental office, we understand how tooth sensitivity can keep you from enjoying your favorite foods and beverages, and we don’t want anyone to experience the pain and burden of it. We’re here to help.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
There are several possible causes of tooth sensitivity. Most often, the reasons behind sensitive teeth is due to enamel erosion. When the enamel diminishes, the dentin, or middle part of a tooth’s anatomy, is exposed and the result is painful sensitivity. Some common culprits of enamel erosion include:
- Brushing too hard
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Acidic Food
Gum recession can also contribute to increased sensitivity. When gums recede, the tooth roots and the multitude of nerves inside the roots, become exposed and leads to pain.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs of having sensitive teeth are pretty straightforward. Most commonly, those with tooth sensitivity experience sharp, shooting pain with:
- Hot or cold food and beverages
- Breathing in cold air
- Eating sweet or acidic foods
What You Can Do About Sensitive Teeth
What’s causing the sensitivity in the first place would determine the most appropriate solution, but here a few tips you can try to reduce tooth sensitivity:
- Ease up on the highly acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruit, wine, and tomato sauce
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Brush your teeth using small, gently circles
- Consider a custom bruxism mouthguard to protect your teeth against grinding
- Maintain regular visits with your dentist in Alexandria
If you’re tired of your sensitive teeth keeping you from enjoying your favorite foods, or you think there may be a more serious problem, we welcome you to call our dental office in Alexandria. We’re here to help our patients and neighbors have healthy, comfortable smiles.
Welcoming patients from Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray and beyond.
