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If you experience pain from eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks, it can be a sign that you have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity, or what experts call “dentin hypersensitivity,” is basically what it sounds like. It is a pain or discomfort in your teeth due to a particular stimulus, which can either be a hot or cold temperature. It is a condition that can come and go and is caused by various factors.
To understand your situation better, here are four of the most common reasons behind your oral pain.
1. Forceful brushing of teeth
Brushing aggressively can wear down your tooth’s enamel and root cementum. Enamel is the protective layer that covers each tooth, while root cementum is the tissue that covers your tooth’s entire root surface. These two act as protection for your teeth, so expect some pain if they both wear down.
Brushing your teeth is part of proper oral care, but over-brushing is the exact opposite. Over-brushing can also lead to gum recession, exposing your teeth’s soft parts and eventually leading to pain and sensitivity.
2. Not having a routine oral care
Caring for teeth means having an oral care routine and sticking to it. It should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing at least twice a day for a healthy mouth. Brushing is how you clean your teeth, but it does more than that. When you brush your teeth, you use fluoride toothpaste, and it is a way of protecting and strengthening your teeth.
The teeth are the only body part that can produce enamel that protects itself. If your tooth enamel gets damaged, it can never be brought back. However, weakened enamel can still be saved using toothpaste and mouthwashes that help improve its mineral content.
3. Having receding gums
As mentioned earlier, brushing your teeth too hard can contribute to gum recession, but it is not the only cause. Receding gum lines can also be because of insufficient dental care, bacterial infection, or hormonal changes. Consult your dentist to know the proper diagnosis and make sure to treat it to avoid further complications.
4. Your chosen diet
What you eat affects your teeth. Having an acidic and sugary diet is another culprit for sensitive teeth. Eating sharp-tasting or sour food and drinks frequently also strips away your tooth enamel. Meanwhile, loading up on sugary treats can prompt bacterial growth in your mouth. With weakened enamel and bacterial buildup, expect the worst to happen to your teeth.
Here are the top five worst foods for sensitive teeth:
- Ice cream - Not only is it rich in sugar, but it is also food that can cause discomfort.
- Candies - Candies also contain a high amount of sugar that can cause tooth decay.
- Alcoholic Beverages - Beer and liquor can contribute to tooth decay and increase your tooth sensitivity because of their high sugar content. On the other hand, wine is an acidic drink that can act as a stimulus for tooth sensitivity.
- Juice - Juice may be a healthier alternative to other drinks, but they are still high in sugars and acids.
- Coffee - The temperature and acidity of coffee can have negative effects on your teeth.
A balanced diet is essential to avoiding tooth decay and other dental problems. Monitor your intake of highly acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, pickled products, coffee, wine, carbonated sodas, sports drinks, candies, and sweets.
Conclusion
If you begin experiencing toothaches after eating cold and hot foods and beverages, determining the source of your sensitivity can help find the best treatment possible. While there are home remedies you can explore, a visit to your dentist and regular appointments can help you treat and care for your teeth better.
Dental House MI is your local dentist in Waterford that offers affordable dentistry. We provide dental services, like preventive dentistry and restorative dentistry, to protect your overall oral health. Book an appointment for any dental concern.
