Tooth Sensitivity Causes: Why Your Teeth Hurt and How to Find Relief

Do you miss out on your favourite foods due to a sharp, painful ache in your teeth? Then perhaps you have tooth sensitivity.

This common dental issue can make eating ice cream, drinking hot coffee, or even brushing your teeth a painful experience. Understanding the most common causes of tooth sensitivity can help you protect your teeth and find relief.

Tooth sensitivity often develops when the protective enamel layer on your teeth becomes thin, exposing the underlying dentin. Once dentin is exposed, hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods can trigger discomfort. But what exactly leads to this problem?

Common Tooth Sensitivity Causes

Here are some of the most frequent reasons your teeth may be too sensitive:

1. Too Much Acidic Food

Citrus fruits, soft drinks, sports drinks, and other highly acidic foods can slowly erode your tooth enamel. Without a strong enamel layer, your teeth become vulnerable to sensitivity.

Acid reflux can be avoided by limiting the intake of acidic foods and rinsing the stomach with water after consumption.

2. Brushing Too Hard

You might think brushing harder means cleaner teeth, but the opposite is true. Aggressive brushing wears away enamel and irritates your gums, leading to exposed tooth roots and sensitivity.

Instead, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and circular movements.

3. Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)

Tooth grinding, or more specifically, grinding your teeth especially at night, exerts pressure on your enamel and may consequently lead to premature enamel erosion.

Over time, this can expose dentin and cause ongoing sensitivity. In case you grind your teeth, a personalised mouthguard can be suggested by your dentist to safeguard your smile.

4. Bristles That Are Too Hard

Choosing the wrong toothbrush can exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Hard-bristle brushes damage enamel and gums, while soft bristles are gentler and just as effective when used correctly.

5. Wrong Choice of Toothpaste or Mouthwash

Not all toothpastes and mouthwashes are the same. Some contain whitening agents or alcohol that can aggravate sensitive teeth.

Switching to products designed for sensitive teeth can make a big difference in reducing discomfort.

6. Gum Disease

Gum disease also leads to your gums shrinking, leaving your tooth roots exposed. The roots of the teeth are uncovered by enamel, which is why they are very sensitive to exposure.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleaning are crucial in the prevention of gum issues.

7. Chipped or Broken Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth may expose the dentin, leading to sharp pains when chewing or drinking. This type of damage should never be ignored, as it can also lead to further complications, such as tooth decay or infection.

8. Tooth Decay

Cavities weaken the enamel and can expose the inner layers of your teeth. Decay-related sensitivity often feels sharp and localised to one tooth.

The sooner the decay is handled, the better it is to save the tooth and prevent the pain.

Here’s a 1 minutes and 14 seconds Tooth Sensitivity Causes video. See full transcript below.

How to Manage and Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

Knowing the causes is the first step, but you may also wonder how to deal with tooth sensitivity in daily life. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use a toothpaste designed to work with sensitive teeth in order to prevent discomfort.
• The use of acidic foods and beverages that can erode enamel should be avoided.
• Good oral hygiene includes brushing gently and flossing daily.
• Use a mouthguard when you sleep, in case you grind your teeth.
• Schedule routine check-ups and professional dental cleanings.

Simple lifestyle modifications can reduce sensitivity in most instances, though ongoing or intense pain can necessitate professional care. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments, bonding, a dental filling, or gum treatment to protect your teeth.

When to See Your Dentist

If your tooth sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s essential not to ignore it. Sensitivity can sometimes signal more serious dental issues, such as advanced decay or gum disease.

The sooner you see a dentist, the easier it will be to address the problem before it becomes more complicated.

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Main Beach

Tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the foods and drinks you love. You can keep your teeth from getting damaged and regain your comfort by discovering the root causes of tooth sensitivity and taking necessary measures.

Come in for a dental check-up today at Main Beach Dental, and we will help you address these causes. Visit your Main Beach dentist today.

Book your online appointment or contact us at (07) 5503 1177.

Visit us at 11/26-30 Tedder Ave in Main Beach.