Tread Lightly with Overly-Sensitive Teeth


Tread Lightly with Overly-Sensitive Teeth

By Wright Smiles

Your teeth have a certain personality, with their own unique characteristics that are largely shaped by your daily hygiene routine and habits. Ideally, your teeth should be the strong, silent type, quietly going about their business without making much fuss. If one of them hurts considerably, then your toothache might indicate a developing dental issue that requires immediate attention. If they just seem a little sensitive, then your teeth may just be at an increased risk of trouble, and you might still have a chance of rectifying whatever’s irritating them.

What’d I Do?

Your teeth are surrounded by a highly-resilient layer of mineral crystals, called tooth enamel, that should shield your teeth from bacteria and irritations. When teeth are sensitive, it’s often because enamel has grown weak, either because of acid erosion or excessive trauma to the enamel.

You brush too hard

Scrubbing your toothbrush across your teeth with more force doesn’t clean them faster or better. In fact, the bristles can strip your teeth of protective enamel, leaving them vulnerable and sensitive to bacteria, sugary foods, and hot and cold temperatures.

You tend to grind your teeth together

Although you may occasionally notice yourself grinding your teeth together throughout the day, most cases of bruxism (habitual teeth-grinding) occur at night, while the patient is sleeping. Left untreated, the habit can lead to cracked or fractured teeth, but before damage occurs, your teeth can grow sensitive from the excessive pressure and friction. If you exhibit symptoms of bruxism, then Dr. Wright or Dr. Heron can custom-design a sleepguard to protect your teeth from each other while you sleep at night.

You drink too much soda

Besides containing a wealth of sugar that feeds acid-producing bacteria, sodas and soft drinks are also highly-acidic, and can directly weaken your tooth enamel when consumed constantly. Fruit juices, including orange juice and lemonade, are also highly-acidic, and Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron advise rinsing your mouth with water after drinking such beverages.

You rely too much on mouthrinse

Mouthwash is an important addition to many people’s hygiene routine, but often contains alcohol and other chemicals to combat bad breath and other issues. The chemicals can also severely weaken enamel if your teeth are exposed to them too frequently. Skip the rinse, or switch to a non-alcoholic brand, preferably one that contains enamel-strengthening fluoride.

About Your Southlake General Dentists:

As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.