Overly sensitive teeth are one of the biggest complaints from dental patients. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, over 40 million adults in the United States alone suffer from dental sensitivity, turning treats like your favorite hot or cold drink or even ice cream into a painful experience. If you don’t want to be a part of this statistic, watch out for these problems and bad habits that can lead to sensitive teeth.
Regular brushing is an important part of proper dental hygiene, but brushing too hard or using a brush with hard bristles can do more harm than good. Harmful brushing habits like this can strip away the hard enamel on your teeth, exposing the dentin of your teeth, which contains tiny tubes filled with nerve endings.
Soda and energy drinks are not healthy for many reasons, but you should also watch out for other acidic beverages and foods such as citrus fruits and juices. The acidity in these foods and drinks can erode enamel, leaving dentin exposed and increasing nerve sensitivity.
A small chip or crack in a tooth or a broken filling might seem like a minor problem, but it can lead to tooth decay that exposes the dentin.
A receding gum line caused by gum disease or gingivitis can also expose the dentin on your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity.
The enamel on your teeth is one of the hardest substances in your body. Without a mouthguard, grinding teeth means that the enamel rubs together and gets worn down.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth or want to make sure you never do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Braverman at New York City Cosmetic Dentistry Center to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.
