If you have tooth sensitivity, your discomfort could have a large number of causes, from tooth enamel loss, exposed dentin and old dental fillings to cavities and gum disease. For some patients, tooth sensitivity comes from incorrect tooth brushing or a habit of tooth grinding that irritates the teeth.
Use of a poor toothbrush or aggressive tooth brushing could result in tooth irritation and sensitivity. We encourage you to be kind to your teeth brush with a toothbrush that has soft bristles, using gentle, circular strokes and a fluoride toothpaste. You may find that choosing a toothbrush with a rotary or powered head helps you to prevent sensitivity in your teeth.
Some cases of tooth sensitivity have nothing to do with your oral hygiene and are the result of outside factors such as chronic tooth grinding. This condition is also known as bruxism, and it can result in sensitive teeth that are chipped, worn down, fractured and have broken dental restorations.
A common culprit behind tooth grinding is stress, and you may need to develop techniques to reduce stress and protect your teeth. Another treatment option for chronic grinding is to receive an oral night guard from North Point Dental Group, LLC, which is a plastic appliance that covers your teeth so that they aren’t damaged by the friction and pressure.
Contact our dentist, Dr. Mark P. Swensen and Dr. Haslam, and team at 541-754-4017 today if you have further questions about tooth sensitivity in Corvallis, Oregon, and would like to schedule an oral checkup.