How does sensitivity occur?
- Brushing teeth too hard for a prolonged time and brushing from side to side can cause the
enamel to be worn away. - Dental erosion – this is loss of tooth enamel caused by acidic food and drinks exposing the dentine layer which may lead to sensitivity. Gums may naturally recede causing the roots of the teeth to be exposed making them more sensitive. The root of teeth don’t have a layer of enamel to protect them so it’s likely to cause pain.
- Gum disease is a build-up of plaque or tartar which may cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bone support of the tooth.
- If you have a broken or cracked tooth due to tooth decay, it will leave a hole in the tooth which will need a filling. Leaving it exposed will lead to increased risk of sensitivity.
- If you grind your teeth, this can wear down the enamel, in fact it could wear down the whole tooth.
