We found an article from Colgate that explains the causes and some things that you can do to reduce tooth sensitivity. Here is a sample:
Exposure of the dentin can occur due to a number of factors. Some of the more common reasons are:
- Gum recession due to age or improper tooth brushing
- Acidic beverages (such as soda) that cause enamel erosion and dentin exposure
- Tooth grinding – this may actually cause most or all of the teeth to feel sensitive
- Brushing with a very abrasive toothpaste, brushing incorrectly and/or brushing more than three times a day could result in a loss of enamel
- Gum disease, which can result in gum recession
- A chipped or fractured tooth may expose the dentin
The first step in doing something about dental sensitivity is to find out what the cause is – a dental professional can help you with this. If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin, there are a number of steps you can take, as can your dental professional, to help reduce the sensitivity. These can include:
- Using a very soft bristle tooth brush
- Brushing correctly to help prevent abrasion of the enamel and recession of the gums
- Using a toothpaste specially formulated to help reduce sensitivity
- The dental professional can:
- Apply a fluoride varnish on the sensitive areas to help strengthen the tooth
- Prescribe a high fluoride tooth paste to use every day
- Place a dental restoration to build up the areas that have lost enamel
You can see the rest of the article here:
Please call our office at 877.9111 if we can help!