What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
If consuming something hot, cold, sweet or sour causes your teeth to hurt, it’s possible you may suffer from sensitive teeth. Having sensitive teeth is extremely common: According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), as many as 40 million Americans report experiencing some pain in their teeth when eating or drinking hot, cold, acidic, sticky, or sugary foods.
One of the common reasons people have sensitive teeth is because their enamel has worn away. Tooth enamel is the hard, protective layer that helps your teeth handle anything you put them through. When it’s gone, however, the nerve endings are exposed and cause pain.
Preventing Sensitive Teeth
In order to prevent or reduce the damage of sensitive teeth, use these helpful tips:
- Avoid brushing your teeth too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard can result in more than removing plaque. It can actually wither your enamel faster. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush and brushing at a 45-degree angle to your gum to maintain your enamel’s strength and health.
- Eat healthier foods: Try snacking on fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, or plain yogurt. These foods will moisten your mouth, produce ample amounts of saliva, and help combat acid and bacteria that can damage your teeth.
- Avoid grinding your teeth: Teeth clenching wears down your enamel, so let up on the clench as much and as often as possible.
- Give bleaching your teeth a rest: Perhaps your quest for pearly white teeth is to blame. However, sensitivity is often temporary. Speak with your dentist to see how the treatment is affecting your enamel.
Foods to Skip if You Have Sensitive Teeth
Because foods that are very cold and hot can cause tooth pain and sensitivity, avoiding these particular foods may help you find relief:
- Ice cream
- Hot coffee
- Soda
- Hard and sticky candy
- Citrus fruits
- Ice
If your teeth hurt whenever you consume something hot, cold, sweet or sour, talk to our Austell dentist at (770) 467-3888 about the possibility of treating your sensitive teeth.
