Causes of
tooth sensitivity
The causes of tooth sensitivity can be divided into two major categories
1. Damaged enamel or tooth surface 2. Receding gums
Damaged enamel or tooth surface
The enamel can be damaged due to
- Highly abrasive toothpaste
- Use of hard bristled toothbrush
- Forceful or horizontal tooth brushing
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Repeated vomiting (stomach acids)
These days, the enamel loss is most frequently caused by its chemical dissolution in acids found in the diet, especially in citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks and carbonated drinks. Frequent and excessive consumption of hot, cold, sweet and sour foods and beverages over time can lead to this condition.
Receding gums
Gum recession can be caused due to
- Poor oral hygiene
- Inflammation and infection of the gums or
- Inefficient tooth brushing technique.
Yet another cause – though less common – is stress caused by improper fitting together of the teeth of the lower jaw with those of the upper jaw, when the jaw is closed, can be another reason for loss of enamel and the middle dentine layer of the tooth.
