When your teeth are feeling sensitive or painful, it is difficult to focus on other things in life that are important to us. Sensitive teeth causes can come in a variety of forms, from grinding our teeth at night to a recent deep-cleaning at our dentist’s office. (We’ve all probably felt pretty sensitive for few days after a cleaning or filling, for example.)
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for the condition of sensitive teeth, and by understanding the possible causes of the issue, you’ll be better equipped to get the kind of treatment that you’ll need to feel confident and happy again about your oral health. Here are just a few causes of sensitive teeth and how you can better understand those causes to feel better soon.
1. Bruxism (Grinding Teeth)
If you’re like many people, you may notice that during times of stress you tend to clench your jaw muscles and grind your teeth. This action of teeth-grinding during such times is often a secondary response to any anxiety you may be feeling. You may even grind your teeth while asleep, leaving your teeth feeling sensitive and painful the next day.
Bruxism can be caused by a variety of factors, including recent stress or medication changes, and holding on to anger about a particular problem can be a factor as well. Dentists can often help to correct bruxism by providing customized mouth-guards or splints for people who grind their teeth. Making changes to diet, tobacco, caffeine, or alcohol use, or implementing new stress management routines can also help.
2. Plaque Buildup
If your teeth are bothering you due to their sensitivity, you may have an excess buildup of plaque. Plaque removal becomes necessary if we haven’t been to see our dentist in a while, and fortunately, it is an easy and quick procedure. A good deep-cleaning cannot only help our teeth to feel better, but we’ll look great as well!
3. Old Fillings
When we’ve had fillings in our teeth for an extended period of time, it may be a good idea to make an appointment for a check-up to make sure that there isn’t tooth decay around the filling or to establish whether the filling needs to be replaced. Fortunately, replacing fillings is a routine procedure for dentists, and you can feel as good as new after a short visit.
4. Cavities
One of the most common causes of sensitivity in our teeth, cavities are never fun to deal with, but neglecting to treat them can often result in further tooth decay or teeth that are sensitive to touch or to changes in temperature. Fortunately, the problem is often easy to fix, and our teeth will feel great after a good treatment plan is put in place. Remember, flossing and brushing on a daily basis can help keep cavities away, so be sure that you’ve got your home dental care routine down pat!
So, while sensitive teeth causes can come in a variety of forms, the good news is that a helpful dentist is able to identify the likely causes of your dental sensitivity and have you feeling like your old self in no time. With the right treatment plan and a bit of care each day, you’ll be surprised at how good your teeth can feel.
If you or someone you love is struggling with pain caused by sensitive teeth, be sure to call the friendly professionals at North View Dental with any questions you might have or to schedule an appointment. With the confidence and assurance that a healthier smile can bring, you’ll be sure to feel better soon. And that is dental care done right!