If you notice discomfort when brushing your teeth or drinking a hot or cold beverage, you could be experiencing tooth sensitivity. If your dental care routine is causing any level of pain, it’s important to visit your dentist to find out the cause. Several factors influence the sensitivity of your teeth, including these common reasons for increased discomfort.

Top Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. Poor Oral Health Habits

Routine dental care is required to keep your teeth and oral health in optimal shape. If you skip regular brushing and flossing, cavity-causing bacteria multiply in the mouth. As this decay continues to form, sensitivity can be experienced if it reaches the dentin of the teeth.

2. Overbrushing

While brushing your teeth is a vital part of proper dental care, using too much force or a brush with bristles that are too hard can wear down your teeth. If the overbrushing continues, you can sustain damage to the enamel of your teeth, resulting in hollow openings that leave the sensitive inner layers exposed.

3. Receding Gums

Aggressive toothbrushing and periodontal disease can cause your gums to recede, or pull back from the teeth. As this condition advances, the dentin tubules that connect to the nerves of your teeth become exposed, causing extreme sensitivity.  

4. Improper Diet

The foods you eat impact your dental health—particularly if they’re loaded with sugar or acid. Diets high in these contents not only create the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to grow, but they also eat away at the enamel of the teeth. If the enamel becomes too damaged, the sensitive inner layer of the tooth becomes exposed, causing sensitivity when brushing or consuming hot or cold foods.

If you’re ready to tackle your tooth sensitivity and get the treatment you need, talk to the professionals at Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. With more than 35 years of experience, this practice provides a combination of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care services for the entire family. To learn more about their team, visit them online, and call (907) 272-8422 to schedule an appointment.