Tooth Sensitivity ‐ Part 3

Dental Sensitivity can be caused by many factors, including these ten examples:

1. Over‐brushing or aggressive brushing: If you brush too forcefully, with a side‐to side technique or with too hard a brush, the enamel may be thinned and the area around the gum‐line is most often affected. If you previously were flexing your muscles while brushing, save that for the gym or beach! Effective brushing is more of a gentle cleansing massage in small circular motions rather than a forceful scrubbing approach. Dr. Landry personally uses and recommends an electric toothbrush with soft bristles, like Sonicare.

2. Abrasive toothpaste: Even more than a hard or medium bristle toothbrush, studies show an abrasive toothpaste can increase abrasion wear on the teeth and cause sensitivity. “Whitening toothpastes” are the most abrasive. Instead, Dr. Landry recommends patients with tooth wear or sensitivity to use an ADA-approved “Sensitivity toothpaste” since these are the most non-abrasive, gentle type available.

3. Periodontal Disease and Gingival Recession: Periodontal disease causes a reduction in the bone height. The gum tissue follows the reduced bone and shrinks back, exposing the sensitive root surface which is not protected by enamel.

4. Poor oral hygiene: This can lead to cavities and/or plaque and tartar build‐up, resulting in gum disease and recession.

5. Clenching and grinding your teeth: This can cause tooth sensitivity due to the constant force being exerted on your teeth. Regularly grinding your teeth can also wear down the enamel on your teeth and expose your dentin.

6. Medical conditions: Bulimia and acid reflux (GERD), for instance, can cause acid to collect in the mouth and erode enamel, resulting in sensitive teeth. If certain medical conditions are uncontrolled and combined with the bruxism grinding habit, enamel and dentin erosion can quickly become severe.

7. Medications: Certain medications, such as asthma inhalers, can cause high acidity levels to occur in the mouth and result in tooth surface erosion.

8. Acidic food: Food with high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion with regular consumption.

9. Teeth whitening: Sensitivity is one of the possible side effects of whitening. Proactive preventative steps can be taken prior to whitening to minimize or eliminate sensitivity. However, if someone does experience short-term sensitivity from whitening, this will clear up soon after the whitening has ended.

10. Bad habits: Using your teeth as tools or biting down on objects (i.e., pencils) can wear down your tooth enamel and cause your dentin to be exposed.

To schedule a visit in Seville, OH to discuss your sensitive teeth or other dental concerns, we welcome you to call our office today at (330) 769-4470! For more helpful dental advice, please like us at Joseph G. Landry II, DDS, FAGD on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.