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Does eating ice cream make you say "ouch," and wince in pain? Do you ever find yourself wincing in pain while brushing or flossing your teeth? If you do, you could have what is known as tooth sensitivity. The good news, however, is that you do not have to put up with the pain. In fact, there are several things you can do to lessen the sensitivity and improve your oral health. So what could be causing you such severe sensitivity? Read on to find out why you are wincing in pain. You Brush With Too Much Force Tooth sensitivity can sometimes come from brushing with too much force or with a toothbrush that's bristles are too hard. Over time, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed to hot or cold, or even to acidic and sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can be the result. The simplest solution in this case, is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing. Do You Grind Your Teeth? Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, even though it is the strongest substance in your body. Doing so, you expose the dentin, which is the middle layer of the tooth. The dentin contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. Talk to your Bowie dentist about finding a mouth guard that can stop you from grinding. The best guards are custom made to fit your bite. Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others. If your toothpaste could be to blame for tooth sensitivity, consider switching toothpastes to and ADA approved one. Like whitening toothpastes, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive - especially if your dentin is exposed. So, what is the solution? Try neutral fluoride rinses - or simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing your teeth. Gum Disease and Excessive Plaque Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age - especially if you have not kept up with your dental health - can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the culprit, your Bowie dentist may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself. The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat, potentially leading to gum disease. An excessive buildup of plaque can cause your enamel to wear away. Again, your teeth can become more sensitive as they lose their enamel protection. The solution is to practice good daily oral care and visit your dentist in Bowie, MD for cleanings every six months - or more frequently if needed. Tooth sensitivity is treatable. In fact, you might find that using toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth will help minimize your sensitivity. If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what you do, see your Bowie dentist for a dental evaluation. Your dentist can determine the most likely cause of your tooth sensitivity and the best solution for your particular situation.
Omni Dental Group is owned and operated by Dr. Siamak Aalemansour, Bowie cosmetic dentist. With a focus on treatments including veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants and Invisalign in Bowie, Dr. Aalemansour is committed to providing patients with exceptional dental health care.
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