Sensitive Teeth – Causes and Affordable Dental Prevention

By Susan Braden
Published May 11 2010

When your enamel is worn away and dentin is exposed, your pearly whites become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods. The factors that cause dentin to be exposed, however, are all preventable or treatable! Read on for the causes of tooth sensitivity and a few affordable dental prevention methods.

Tooth Decay – When different foods, dry mouth or a lack of oral hygiene cause damage to your pearly whites, you will often experience tooth sensitivity. If you have not been taking very good care of your smile (through brushing, flossing and regular cleanings at the dentist), then you are probably experiencing sensitivity due to tooth decay. Your best option in this situation is likely to visit a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist may be able to fix the problem, and the sooner he or she is able to address it, the easier and more affordable dental procedures will be.

Vigorous Brushing – If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may be brushing too hard and wearing away the enamel on your teeth. If you tend to brush vigorously, consider purchasing a soft-bristled toothbrush, and toothpaste that is specifically designed to treat tooth sensitivity.

According to WebMD, your age can factor into your tooth sensitivity. Teeth that are 25-30 yrs. old are the most sensitive. Toothpastes engineered to reduce sensitivity are the most helpful in this situation.

Acidic Foods – Acidic foods and drinks are also major causes of tooth sensitivity. Long-term exposure to sodas, wines, sugary foods and drinks will gradually wear away the enamel of your teeth. The most affordable dental prevention for this kind of tooth sensitivity is to watch what you eat! If you are going to drink a soda or sip a glass of wine, brush your teeth afterward, or chew some sugar-free gum. This gum will increase saliva production, which cleans your teeth and washes away harmful bacteria.

Tooth Whitening, Cleaning or Mouthwash – Harsh chemicals in tooth whitening products can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause sensitivity. The same is true for some mouthwashes. Even getting your teeth cleaned can lead to some sensitivity, but that should go away after a few hours. As for whitening products and mouthwash, to prevent unecessary sensitivity, try the affordable dental products that take into account teeth sensitivity. You will usually be able to find a product that is gentle on your enamel.

If you have experienced an extensive amount of tooth decay, make a plan to visit the dentist. Enamel does not regenerate itself – once your natural enamel is gone, it is gone for good! Enamel loss may mean that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. Many people today do not have the means to maintain regular dentist visits, but some investigate discount plans to make dentist visits a more affordable dental option.

For more affordable dental tips from Susan Braden, see this article.