Now that the holidays are officially around the corner, you’ve probably started drinking all of your favorite seasonal beverages. Whether it’s pumpkin spice lattes, peppermint mochas, or hot chocolate, these especially hot or cold drinks may cause you some discomfort. If your teeth feel sensitive or painful when consuming these beverages, other hot or cold foods, or even during extra cold weather, your dentist can help! Keep reading to learn some of the common causes of teeth sensitivity in Springfield and how it’s treated.
What Makes Teeth Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity can occur when enamel is eroded or there are exposed tooth roots. When your protective enamel has worn away, it exposes the inner, more sensitive portion of the tooth, causing discomfort with hot or cold temperature. However, this can happen for many reasons, so it’s important to be aware of these common causes:
Brushing Too Hard
Who knew that you could brush too hard? It’s true! Aggressively scrubbing your teeth can wear down the enamel, causing the dentin (the inside of your teeth) to become exposed. Brushing your gumline too hard can also lead to root exposure, which will cause even more sensitivity. That’s why it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush for your twice-a-day routine.
Irregular Flossing
Flossing once a day removes plaque and bacteria that builds up in between your teeth. If you think about it, each tooth has 5 sides: front, back, top, left side, and right side. Without flossing, you’re leaving 2 sides of each tooth susceptible to decay and cavities. When your enamel decays, it exposes the sensitive dentin on the inside of your teeth. You’re also putting your smile at risk for gum disease, which will cause root exposure and sensitivity.
Teeth Grinding
Do you catch yourself grinding or clenching your teeth? The bad part about this problem is that you may not even know it’s going on because it occurs most during sleep. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can cause extra wear and tear on your enamel, leading to uncomfortable sensitivity.
Your Treatment Options
Thankfully, tooth sensitivity can be remedied, but the treatment you need will depend on the cause of your discomfort. For teeth grinding, your dentist can create a custom-made nightguard that protects your teeth from wear. Additionally, for tooth decay, you can get dental sealants to minimize your risk of cavities that lead to sensitivity. You can also get fluoride treatment to help reminieralize teeth and reduce some of your pain with hot or cold temperatures.
Are you ready to stop sensitivity right in its tracks? Remember these common causes and contact your dentist for treatment as soon as you’re experiencing symptoms!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Scott Olson is known for his caring and friendly style of dentistry. He offers a variety of treatments to get patients out of pain and soothe sensitivity. For any questions, he can be reached through is website or by phone at (417) 823-4900.