Have you ever gulped a cold drink and felt a sharp pain in your teeth? Or have there been times when your teeth cannot bear the cold breeze of a chilly day? Perhaps even a cup of hot tea leaves your mouth in pain.
If you’ve experienced one or more of these situations, you have sensitive teeth.
Causes of sensitive teeth
There are many reasons why you suffer from this soreness. First, the root structure of one or more of your teeth could be exposed.
This layer, which is commonly known as dentin, lies underneath the gum tissue and is laden with thousands of microscopic tubules. Each tubule is linked to a nerve ending.
The two common dental phenomena, gum recession and enamel erosion, are potentially problematic because they cause the tubules to be exposed.
In fact, dentin can be left unprotected by receding gums, brushing too hard, grinding teeth, or a diet filled with acidic beverages.
1. Overaggressive brushing
Brushing teeth too vigorously can potentially pose serious problems to some people.
Mark S Wolff, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care at NYU College of Dentistry reveals that “harsh strokes wear away at the gum tissue as well as the tooth’s enamel layer, leaving each dentin tubule vulnerable to whatever it comes in contact with – hot, cold, soft, or hard.”
2. Acidic beverages
The beverages you drink can also have a negative effect on your teeth.
Basically, highly acidic beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, alcohol, fruit juices and coffee can cause enamel erosion and soreness.
Though carbonated water is not so bad, you should be careful of flavoured seltzer because it contains citric acid.
3. Tooth-whitening agents
Tooth-whitening agents, which contain a high amount of harsh ingredients able to remove stains, can, when used too often, irritate the dentin.
It is unfortunate that the enamel layer can be eroded as well causing the tubules to be left unprotected.
You are advised to consult your dentist if the sensitivity is serious. Your doctor can advise on bonding the vulnerable areas although it is not a lasting fix.
This article first appeared on Hello Doktor and was medically reviewed by the Hello Doktor Medical Panel. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.