Life habits often cause or contribute to tooth sensitivity. For example, a harmful habit is to brush your teeth aggressively with a hard toothbrush. If you brush too hard, you can rub off the outer enamel that protects your teeth, revealing the teeth that contain nerve endings, he said. If exposed, the nerve endings in the layer of tooth tissue known as dentin will emit a painful signal when stimulated.
Clenching or molars may wear enamel, expose nerves in the teeth and make them more sensitive to temperature and changes in sugary or sticky foods.
Aging can also play a role in tooth sensitivity. As you grow older and gingival recession, the layer of cementum below the gingival line may wear out, causing the teeth to stick to the bones. Without cementum, your teeth become more exposed and become more sensitive. Gum disease can also cause gingival recession and lead to more nerve exposure.
In addition, acid reflux may help sensitive teeth. “The stomach acid is highly acidic. If the food you eat causes acid reflux and there is a constant stomach acid in the mouth, it can damage the enamel on your teeth,” Taylor said. Some of the most serious tooth-sensitive cases occur in acid reflux patients
When to see your dentist
Regular dental examination is very important, so that you can prevent or manage excessive accumulation of plaque and periodontal disease, because they can also increase the sensitivity.
Cold sensitivity is more common, but not thermolabile. If you are sensitive to hot food, go to the dentist. “This may be a more serious problem that should be solved to prevent more serious problems, such as abscesses.”
The AGD suggests that when talking to dentists about tooth sensitivity, be sure to explain when it hurts and what helps relieve pain. These details can help guide your dental care. “Your dentist can advise you whether it will help bond you to the area of the tooth in question, especially exposed roots.