The onset of tooth sensitivity can make life difficult, as you can gradually give up one beloved food or drink item after another because of the discomfort they cause. What you might not realize is that your daily behaviors can actually make your risk higher for sensitivity. At our Seattle, WA dental practice, we can carefully evaluate your smile to determine why you have started to struggle with this issue. If the problem is linked to enamel erosion, your daily behaviors may be a factor when it comes to sensitive teeth. In addition to taking advantage of regular preventive dental exams, making an effort to improve your oral care habits can help you avoid further trouble with sensitivity.
Your Diet Choices Can Affect Your Enamel
Acidic foods and drinks soften our dental enamel over time, making erosion more likely. Be careful about how often you consume spicy foods, soft drinks, citrus products, and other items that are more acidic. In addition to making you more susceptible to erosion, this weakening of your enamel can also make it more likely that you experience cavities, and require restorative dental work.
Are You Brushing With Too Much Force?
People who assume that aggressive brushing is beneficial or necessary to maintaining a healthy smile can actually put their teeth at risk for problems. If you use a brush with harder bristles, or exert too much effort into brushing, you can cause the erosion over time that makes teeth sensitive to temperatures, sweets, and even cold air. Instead of pursuing an aggressive brushing routine, make sure you are as consistent as possible about cleaning your teeth, and always floss at least one time per day.
Teeth Grinding May Be Causing Sensitivity
You may not realize how your habits are affecting your teeth because some of those habits can occur while you sleep. If you have problems with bruxism – nighttime teeth grinding – you can wear down your teeth gradually. This can lead to more than just sensitivity, as you can start to see changes to the condition of teeth over time. Some people harm their teeth so severely by grinding that they need dental crowns! For people who experience bruxism, we can recommend a custom oral appliance that allows them to sleep through the night without grinding and clenching concerns.
Ballard Neighborhood Dentist Can Help You Address Dental Sensitivity
At Ballard Neighborhood Dentist, you can count on expert care for your smile! If you are starting to struggle with dental sensitivity, we can provide a review of your oral health to see what might be the matter. We can also take the time to talk with you about your current daily habits in order to find potential problems. If you have questions, or if you are ready to make an appointment, please call our Seattle, WA dental office at 206-789-2555.
