Sensitive teeth can be temporary, simply the result of biting down wrong on something or getting something stuck in your gums. Some people, though, live with sensitivity day in and day out and they don’t know why their teeth are causing them such discomfort. With the right dental care and diagnosis, you can get the repairs you need to manage and stop tooth sensitivity.
1. Teeth Grinding
Teeth are powerful and strong. They are meant to bite and crush food into manageable bits that you can swallow and digest. Teeth, however, are not meant to press against each other with maximum force. When this happens – usually because a person unconsciously grinds and clenches their teeth – it can lead to series dental damage. Along with worn tooth enamel and compromised dental work and broken teeth, you can develop sensitive teeth. A customized mouthguard can stop this problem in its tracks.
2. Receding Gums
Receding gums are often the result of teeth grinding, but there are plenty of other reasons gums pull away from tooth enamel, including:
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Tartar or plaque buildup
- Gum disease
- Trauma to the gum tissue
- Misalignment
- Tobacco use
Whenever your gums recede and show more of your teeth, they reveal sensitive parts of your tooth that are meant to stay below the gumline. This exposure can lead to incredible sensitivity.
3. Hormone Fluctuations
There are certain times in a woman’s life when her oral health is at risk of developing problems, all because of hormone fluctuations. Right before a woman’s period, estrogen and progesterone levels rise, which can cause the gums to become sensitive, red, and swollen every month.
The changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy gingivitis, when the gums become tender and bleed easily. Getting dental care while expecting is incredibly important to prevent this condition from affecting your baby’s health too.
4. Overuse of Whitening Products
It’s tempting to head to the dental care aisle when you want to whiten your teeth. You want a quick fix and hope to find it in the shape of a gel, toothpaste, whitening strip, or otherwise. Products like these often deliver mediocre results and, if they do work, many people are tempted to use them more than recommended. Overuse of over-the-counter whitening treatments can cause extremely sensitive teeth. Sometimes, the composition of the products themselves is enough to cause irritation.
If you are determined to whiten your smile, consult with your Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist about which treatment is right for you. Whether it’s customized professional teeth whitening or personalized porcelain veneers, you can get whiter teeth without any discomfort.
5. A Cavity
Sensitivity may seem like it’s occurring in the gums alone, but sometimes the discomfort you feel is emanating directly from a tooth. More specifically, the pain and sensitivity may be coming from a decaying tooth.
If your dental care has not included a teeth cleaning and digital x-rays recently, be sure to prioritize this oral health care, especially if you are experiencing a dental problem. Your dentist has the knowledge and tools to make your problem go away and stop the sensitivity from returning.
Learn how to fix a sensitive smile with dental care from Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale. Schedule a consultation.
