You’re ready to start your day and you have a sip of cold water from your jug. Suddenly you feel a very sharp pain in your teeth, and you start to wonder what is wrong with your teeth. Chances are that you are experiencing one of the most reported symptoms to the dentist, which is sensitive teeth.
What causes sensitive teeth?
The enamel surface of healthy teeth protects the layer of dentin underneath it. The pain usually arises when the enamel is worn down and allows the dentine to be exposed in your mouth. Tooth enamel may become worn for a number of reasons, and here are a few things that you can do to avoid having this problem in the future or minimizing the symptoms that you are currently experiencing.
Brushing Your Teeth Gently
Tooth brushing is necessary. However, if you are brushing your teeth too vigorously, or using a brush that is medium or hard-bristled you can cause damage to your teeth. One of the best ways to brush your teeth is to have an electric toothbrush that can control the pressure. Modern-day electric toothbrushes even have sensors that tell you that you are brushing too hard. We are able to recommend to you some of our most affordable electric toothbrushes with the best soft, bristled toothbrush heads.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and lemons, can also wear down the enamel on your teeth. This also includes juices that have a highly acidic pH. It is impossible to avoid these foods and drinks completely from a diet, but it is important to moderate your intake. You can occasionally use special chewing gums (available to buy at Dental at Joondalup) or have dairy products after acidic foods and drinks to assist the impact.
Teeth grinding
If you are stressed or not sleeping, well there is a chance that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth unconsciously at night.
Grinding and clenching can put your teeth at high risk of enamel erosion and attrition. To fight the effects of teeth grinding, it is important to speak with your dentist to work out the best management plan.
With most dental procedures, prevention is much better than restoration. When it comes to teeth grinding, if your teeth wear down, it is very difficult to fix your teeth. Therefore, it is always better to prevent this problem from happening in the first place. Your dentist will be able to advise you if they see signs of wear.
At Dental at Joondalup, we use intraoral cameras and digital scanners that even allow you to assess the amount of wear that has occurred over a very short period.
Excessive plaque or calculus
Having excessive bacteria on your teeth can lead to harming your tooth’s enamel. Maintaining good oral hygiene such as flossing and brushing twice a day can help remove plaque before it is built up. You should also go and see the dentist regularly for dental hygiene appointments. At Dental at Joondalup, our therapists and dentists are renowned for being highly experienced, gentle, and informative about your oral hygiene.
Gum disease
Your gums are very important in protecting your tooth’s root. If you have gum disease, it is likely that your gums will be receding, revealing your layer known as cementum. Cementum is your root layer, and it is much more sensitive than your enamel. If your gums shrink, you are more likely to get severe sensitivity on your gums. We can treat your gum disease with lasers, and other new-generation techniques at Dental at Joondalup. This means less pain and better results.
Cracked teeth
If your teeth are weak or if you bite into hard foods, you may crack your teeth. If left alone, this can lead to discomfort. Remember to get problems like cracked teeth fixed as soon as they happen. At Dental at Joondalup, we offer emergency appointments and try and assist our patients within 24 hours of them having a broken tooth.
Active tooth decay.
If you have decay in your mouth, there is a chance that you will end up with sensitivity in your teeth. Your nerve is protected by two layers – enamel and dentine. Dental decay essentially makes your teeth feel like leather and starts the progress of bacteria towards your nerve.
Make sure to get this one fixed quickly before you need root canal treatment, or an extraction.
Prevention is key !
Come and visit our modern and sophisticated office in Joondalup today.
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