By Arthur Kezian

There are many reasons as to why you could be having sensitive teeth. Apart from the reasons mentioned in last week’s blog, there are a few more reasons you should know to help prevent tooth sensitivity.

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You might have heard of mouth guards or night guards, but are not exactly sure what they are or why they’re used. Well, these guards are specifically designed for patients who have problems grinding or clenching their teeth. Tooth grinding can cause a number of issues, one of which can be sensitivity. If you have a strong bite and are a heavy grinder, you could wear down your enamel. This causes exposed dentin (the middle layer of your tooth) which contains the tubes that lead to your nerves. Once the dentin is exposed, sensitivity occurs because it is no longer protected by the enamel. If you are a heavy grinder, then it’s time to ask your dentist about a mouth guard for protection.

Apart from grinding, gum related issues can also cause sensitivity. Gum disease or excessive plaque build up can be a reason for sensitivity. The more plaque build-up you have and the longer you don’t attend to it, the quicker you can experience gum issues or even bone loss. Excessive plaque can cause your enamel to wear away, which in turn, can cause sensitivity.

If you also have receding gums, you will notice sensitivity. Receding gums can occur because of a few different causes, one of the main ones being brushing incorrectly and too hard over a long period of time. Depending on the amount of recession, your dentist can place a small filling along the gum line to prevent sensitivity or can place a protective agent to stop it as well. Talk to your dentist about which route is the right one for you. It is important for you to be aware of gum recession and take the proper precautions to take care of your gums.

Another reason you might have tooth sensitivity can be because of a cracked or fractured tooth.

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Sometimes a small crack in the tooth or even little cracks on the edges of existing fillings can cause sensitivity because the tooth has an opening and, again, the dentin is exposed. Air, cold and hot temperatures and even sweets can get to this exposed area and cause sensitivity. If your tooth has a micro fracture that is near the nerve, this can also cause sensitivity or worse pain. Make an appointment with your dentist immediately to take care of the situation and discuss what the best option for your case is.

If you’ve recently had a procedure done at the dental office, you can also feel sensitivity. But, keep in mind that this sensitivity is more normal and is to be expected. When teeth are just worked on they can take a few days to recover, and in those few days you can experience sensitivity. Avoid cold drinks or hot liquids until the sensitivity settles down.

All the reasons mentioned above along with the reasons from last week’s blog are important to know about. You can prevent sensitivity if you visit your dentist and take the right steps in taking care of your teeth and gums. If you already have sensitivity, at least you are aware of what you can do to eliminate it. That’s definitely something to smile about!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777
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