If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you are probably experiencing a lot of dental discomfort. Tooth sensitivity can cause you to avoid consuming certain foods and beverages, flinch when you brush your teeth, and lie awake at night wondering why your teeth hurt. So, what are the exact causes of tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity can be due to many different factors, but here are the biggest causes.

1. Brushing Too Hard

While you should always brush your teeth every day, brushing them too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush could significantly weaken your enamel. Over the course of several months or years, thin enamel can result in teeth sensitivity. Instead of brushing your teeth with full force, consider brushing your teeth more gently or with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. Acidic Foods

Sometimes, when you consume extremely acidic, sour, or sweet foods and beverages, your teeth can become eroded. Severe tooth erosion can cause a lot of pain, especially if you consume these types of foods often. If you know that consuming acidic, sweet, and sour foods and beverages causes a lot of tooth pain, it’s best to avoid them when you can.  

3. Teeth Grinding

If you’re a teeth grinder, you should stop grinding as soon as possible because it may be causing extreme tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding will produce small cracks in your tooth’s enamel, which will eventually expose the sensitive layer. Although the damage doesn’t happen overnight, your teeth may eventually become sensitive to hot and cold foods.

4. Teeth Whitening Products

Did you know that using teeth whitening products can result in sensitive teeth? While teeth whitening is generally deemed safe, the products may cause you to have tooth sensitivity. If you think that using whitening toothpaste is causing your teeth to hurt, consider switching to a sensitive formula toothpaste.

5. Mouthwashes

Just like whitening products, certain mouthwashes can cause sensitive teeth if you’re not careful. If using mouthwashes results in overly sensitive teeth, consider using neutral fluoride rinses or mouthwashes that don’t have alcohol. Ask your dentist about skipping the rinse altogether, and flossing more consistently instead.

6. Gum Disease

One condition that often comes with aging is gum disease. If you have gum diseases like periodontal disease or gingivitis, you might have sensitive teeth because the roots of your teeth may be exposed. Another common cause of sensitive teeth is receding gums.

7. Age

People between the ages of 30 to 40 years old are more likely to suffer from tooth hypersensitivity. The specific reason for tooth hypersensitivity is unknown, but many experts believe that age could play an important factor. As you age, it’s likely that your teeth’s physical structure will not always be the same, and wear and tear of the enamel will occur.

What to Do About Sensitive Teeth

If your tooth sensitivity just won’t go away, you should visit a dentist sooner rather than later. An experienced dentist will be able to tell you the exact cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend great treatments. Find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit with our dentists.