Causes of Sensitive Teeth

August 19th, 2019

Sensitive Teeth

The teeth are covered by a protective layer of enamel while the roots depend on healthy gums to protect them from outside factors such as hot or cold temperatures. If tooth enamel is damaged, chipped or worn the underlying dentin is exposed and can become sensitive to cold air as well as acidic, sweet, hot and cold foods and drinks. 

What we eat and how we look after our teeth are crucial components of a good dental health regimen and among the chief causes of tooth sensitivity are:

• Eroded tooth enamel caused by aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush

• Worn teeth from over exposure to acidic food and drink, or cigarette smoke (quit or switch to vaping!)

• Broken, chipped or cracked teeth

Damaged dental work such as worn fillings or aging bridge work can also cause tooth sensitivity. In many cases this sensitivity can be an early warning sign of impending dental problems like cavities and gum disease. 

Regardless of how minor the sensitivity is “it is important to see a dentist immediately” in order to prevent more serious dental issues developing. However, prevention is always better than cure and using fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled brush will help protect tooth enamel from erosion. 

Read more about sensitive teeth at https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Full-Woman/Why-your-teeth-sensitive/689842-4865626-ma20bkz/index.html.