Nothing is worse than taking a gulp of that soothing cup of hot tea or morning coffee than to feel a shooting pain going through your mouth. For people with sensitive teeth, trigger foods may include extremely cold, hot, sour, or sweet delicacies. Your Temecula, CA dentists at the Oasis Family Dental would like to tell you what might be causing your tooth sensitivity, and how to deal with it.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Underneath the hard layer of enamel that protects your teeth is dentin, which is responsible for transmitting heat or cold sensations to the nerves below. Your gums act as protection for the roots of your teeth. In an ideal mouth, dentin and the sensitive tissues underneath your gums will stay protected from direct contact to extreme temperatures, or anything that might cause discomfort. A person with sensitive teeth is experiencing some degree of dentin exposure and gum recession, so trigger foods start to literally get on your nerves.
Brushing Too Much or Not Enough
You might think that you can stave off tooth sensitivity by ramping up your regular brushing routine, but you need to find a balance. While periodontal disease and cavities are often direct results of poor oral hygiene, you are also at risk for sensitive teeth if you brush too vigorously or too often. Over-stimulation from extra hard bristles on your toothbrush, or simply becoming overzealous and brushing too frequently, can wear down enamel, exposing dentin.
Relief for your Sensitive Teeth
Soft bristled toothbrushes and desensitizing toothpastes are a good place to start. Once gum tissue has started receding, it is important to brush fairly gently, to avoid further damage. A diet high in acidic foods can obliterate enamel, so avoid substances such as citrus fruits, carbonated sodas, and vinegars if you’re starting to experience sensitivity. Going to your dentist every six months is another great idea. We can assess your particular situation and recommend specific oral health care products that might offer some relief.
Visit your Temecula Dentists
Your dentists in Temecula provide comprehensive dental care for our patients of all ages. If anyone in your family is in need of a checkup or cleaning, contact our 92591 dental office by calling (951) 695-2290 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Temecula and all surrounding communities.
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