Have you recently noticed your teeth feel sensitive to sweets or temperature changes? This isn’t an uncommon problem but it can be due to several reasons. At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we want to get to the bottom of your newly sensitive teeth so we can treat them accordingly. Explore the possible reasons your teeth might be feeling sensitive right now.
Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
If you’ve been feeling stressed out recently (it’s completely understandable), you might have taken up a clenching and grinding habit at night or even during the day. When you clench or grind your teeth, it not only puts pressure on your teeth but wears down their enamel. When the enamel wears away, it leaves less protection over your tooth which can make it feel more sensitive. Wearing a night guard at night can help you protect your teeth and experience less sensitivity. You may also need TMJ treatment.
Teeth Whitening Products
Some people are more prone to tooth sensitivity than others with teeth bleaching products. If you recently bleached your teeth or you’re in the process of completing a tooth whitening treatment and your teeth now feel sensitive, this is normal. Ask your dentist for a product that’s better for tooth sensitivity or start using sensitive toothpaste to help the pain.
Receding Gums
Gums cover the tooth root which protects the nerve endings of your teeth. If you have gum disease, grind your teeth or are getting older, you likely have receding gums. Once the tooth root becomes exposed, your tooth will become more sensitive than it used to be. Talk to us at a future appointment about how we can help restore your gums and help your gum recession.
Enamel Erosion
Your enamel can erode for several reasons like eating or drinking acidic or sugary foods and drinks, from scrubbing your teeth with charcoal, or other reasons. Once the enamel erodes, it exposes the tooth’s dentin more which increases tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Decay
If you have a cavity and one tooth starts feeling extra sensitive, it’s likely due to the cavity. If the tooth decay progresses into a tooth infection, you will start to experience a toothache on top of sensitivity. You will need to visit us for treatment to resolve this problem.
If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, try using a sensitive toothpaste until you can see us for an appointment. If the pain becomes unbearable, please contact us at (248) 656-2020 so we can see you immediately at our Rochester dental office. We will find the cause of your tooth sensitivity and provide you with a solution to treat your pain.
