Living with dental sensitivity can be an extremely uncomfortable experience, and it can also be a signal that something is amiss with your smile. Our Saint Louis dentists are here to help you combat sensitivity and protect your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about why dental sensitivity develops in the first place…
- Dental Infection
When at tooth is infected by harmful bacteria, the bacteria will begin to slowly eat away at previously healthy dental tissue. Unfortunately, this causes sensitive dental nerves, which reside in the middle of the tooth, to become exposed. The result is increased sensitivity to hot and cold items, as well as discomfort when the tooth is cleaned or otherwise disturbed.
- Enamel Erosion
As we chew food, our teeth grind against each other, causing enamel to wear down over time. Acidic foods can also chip away at this hard, protective tooth layer. Additionally, some people might have thinning or worn out enamel because they brush too vigorously or with an overly abrasive type of toothbrush.
- Receding Gums
To make matters worse, patients with gum recession no longer have the protective barrier of gum tissue between their nerves and irritants. A major cause of this is poor dental hygiene, leading to periodontal disease. As your gum tissue degrades, you’ll likely notice increased sensitivity as well as bleeding gum tissue.
If you think that you are dealing with increased tooth sensitivity, our Saint Louis dentists want to encourage you to reach out for an oral health assessment. We are here to help you reclaim a healthy and happy smile!