Why Could You Be Having Sensitive Teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth and gums then you want to set up an appointment to go see the dentist. There are a lot of different reasons why your teeth may be suddenly sensitive and it's best for you to have a dentist rule out anything serious right away. You can learn about some of the most common causes for this in this article, so you may be able to figure out the reason for your teeth sensitivity on your own. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't still follow up with that visit to the dentist to be safe. Here are three surprising reasons your teeth may be more sensitive than usual lately:
You may have started clenching or grinding your teeth
Even when you are awake, you may have developed a recent habit of clenching your teeth and sometimes people don't realize they are doing it. Clenching down on your teeth can lead to them feeling more sensitive. You may have also started grinding them in your sleep and unless you know what to look for or someone hears you doing this, you may have no idea. Grinding them can also cause sensitivity. Some other signs of clenching or grinding your teeth include:
- Headaches upon waking
- A tender jaw
- A jaw that feels tight
You may be using the wrong toothbrush or using one too roughly
The way you brush your teeth probably isn't something that you give much thought to. However, it can have repercussions that come in the form of added sensitivity. See if you are using a hard-bristled toothbrush and if you are then that may be the culprit. Or, you could be applying more pressure than you need to. Sometimes, switching to a soft-bristled electric toothbrush can really help if this is your issue.
You could have thinning enamel
Look at your teeth in the mirror and see if they look a bit darker than they used to. Certain medications or regular aging can cause the protective enamel to thin. When this happens, things can happen like darkening of your teeth or them becoming more sensitive. Brushing your teeth as described above can also cause the enamel to thin, which is a big reason for making sure you are gentle and using the right toothbrush. If your enamel is thin, there is something that can be done. Veneers can be put over them or the dentist can even build up the teeth with bonding material by hand.