sensitive

Top 4 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

added on: March 8, 2017

Having sensitive teeth can be brutal. The sharp, shooting pain that often accompanies tooth sensitivity can put a damper on enjoying favorite foods. At our dental office in Boerne, we don’t want any of our patients to suffer from sensitive teeth, but we understand that a lot of them do. We’d like to explain some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity and talk about some possible remedies.

Eating Acidic Foods

Certain foods can directly affect oral health. We all know that sugary foods can eat away at tooth enamel and lead to cavities, but acidic foods can also cause some dental problems. A diet packed with acidic treats like citrus fruit, tomato sauce, and wine also causes enamel erosion and weakened teeth. Once the middle part of the tooth known as the dentin becomes exposed, teeth can become painfully sensitive.  

Too Much Brushing

That’s right, your dentist in Boerne just said there’s such a thing as too much brushing. While we encourage our patients to brush, we don’t want them to cause damage by doing it. Damage from over-brushing can be caused by either doing it too often or using a rough, scrubbing technique. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush two times a day in soft, gentle circles to protect your grin against sensitivity.

Not Enough Flossing

We typically recommend flossing about once a day, every day, and for good reason. If you only brush your teeth, you’re not cleaning two sides of each tooth which can lead to plaque buildup. Plaque that’s not removed by regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can damage enamel and leave teeth feeling a bit sensitive.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding tooth against tooth is a great way to not only cause chips and breaks that will require restorative dentistry to fix, it’s also a top contributor of sensitivity. Grinding files down the enamel which, as we know, leaves the inside of the tooth exposed. Usually a bruxism mouthguard can be custom fitted to prevent grinding and damage that comes with it.

If you’re experiencing the pain associated with having sensitive teeth, you don’t need to continue to suffer. Call our Boerne dental office to schedule an appointment and get relief.

Accepting patients from Boerne, Fair Oaks, The Dominion and beyond. 

About The Author
Dr. Kurt Mackie

After graduating from college, Dr. Kurt Mackie served as Captain in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), becoming the dental director of Su Clinica Familiar. He later established a private practice in Harlingen after his service at the USPHS. Dr. Mackie completed postgraduate training at the L.D. Pankey Institute, earned Mastership at the Academy of General Dentistry, and co-founded the Seattle Study Club of the Rio Grande Valley.