What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Does sensitivity keep you from enjoying your favorite cold treat?  Does a cup of coffee make your mouth cringe?  You may be suffering from sensitive teeth.  But what causes sensitive teeth and how can you fix it?  Here are a few possible causes and suggestions to help you get started.

1. Exposed tooth roots - Many of us brush way too hard under the impression that harder means cleaner.  It doesn’t.  Brushing too hard can eventually wear away your gums leaving your tooth roots exposed.  The tooth root has pores that lead to the nerve of the tooth.  When these pores are exposed triggers like hot and cold have a much quicker access to the root causing discomfort or pain.  Talk to your dentist.  He may suggest a sensitivity toothpaste or mouthwash.

2. Tooth decay – Tooth decay can also cause sensitivity.  The most common form of decay is cavities.  A second form of tooth decay is cracking.  Large fillings can lead to weakness in the rest of the tooth, providing the potential for cracking.  Additionally, munching on too many hard treats like candy or ice can also lead to a crack.  To fix the sensitivity, you would need to eliminate the decay.  Schedule an appointment with your dentist to find relief from sensitivity caused by tooth decay.

3. Too much acid – Acid in the things we eat and drink can eventually wear away the enamel on teeth, leaving the dentin exposed.  Without the enamel barrier, teeth can easily become sensitive.  Your dentist will know how to help you minimize future acid erosion and protect the dentin already exposed.

4. Whitening agents – Over-whitening and working continuously to keep our pearly whites pearly can cause sensitivity.  Bleach and other chemicals used in teeth whitening products can cause sensitivity throughout your mouth. The simplest solution may be to stop using the whitening product; or talk with your dentist about switching to different whitening methods, or using different product lines.
 

If you or any family members have further questions, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss any concerns.  Why wait.......call today (512) 992-2822 or visit our website Rigby Advanced Dental.

Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

We got thinking the other day about some of the foods that can stain your teeth and wanted to put together a handy list for our patients and friends.  These are a few we came up with.........all things in moderation of course!

• Coffee
• A morning staple for many, this energy booster is one of the worst for white teeth.

• Red Wine and Grape Juice
• If you’re an avid wine or juice drinker, nobody needs to tell you about the effects these beverages can have on your teeth. If you drink red wine, try switching to a white wine.  Another  great tip is to try swishing some water around in your mouth after you drink.

• Soda
• Dark-colored sodas are bad for your teeth in many ways, but if you find you can’t cut them out completely, try drinking them through a straw so that staining liquid is bypassing your teeth.

• Blueberries
• Blueberries are rich in two things: Antioxidants and color. Blueberries (and other dark berries) can stain your teeth, but that’s no reason to give them up for good. Try to brush your teeth after you eat them to prevent stains.

• Curry and Mustard
• Yellow Sauce = Yellow Teeth......need we say more.

• Tomato Sauce
• The base of all things Italian, red tomato sauce is one ingredient many people don’t realize can actually stain their teeth.

• Soy Sauce
• Most often found in Asian foods, this salty sauce can leave your teeth looking a little lackluster.

• Popsicles
• Ever had your lips and tongue turn red (or blue or purple or green) after you ate a Popsicle or a flavored slushy? Guess what? They do the same thing to your teeth.

• Beets
• While this reddish-purple veggie is great for your health, it sure can have a dark effect on your mouth.

A Super White Smile

You don’t have to give up everything on this list to keep your teeth white. However, you may want to cut back when you can (especially on the sugary items). Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming any of these simple pleasures is always a good idea. It’s especially important to avoid any of them after a whitening treatment, when your teeth are extra-sensitive to staining.

At Rigby Advanced Dental, we offer a wide variety of take-home and in-office teeth whitening products, we have a solution for your problem.  Please give us a call today to schedule your appointment (512) 992-2822.