Why Are Teeth Sensitive to Hot and Cold?

Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold are a common problem for many. If you're someone that finds yourself in this predicament, you're not alone. There a a variety of reasons why this problem presents itself, leaving you with a painful mouth. Many times, taking measures to avoid some of the causes for sensitivity, along with taking a few additional actions, can improve the problem. Sometimes, you can prevent the problem entirely with good dental hygiene and never have pain after anything hot or cold again. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity to hot and cold:

Dentin

First, it's a good idea to understand the nature of dentin. This dental substance has thousands of tiny channels that running through each tooth into the center pulp area. When the following scenarios occur, your teeth will become vulnerable to the dentin becoming exposed, making way for tooth sensitivity and the pain that accompanies it.

Receding Gums

If consistent plaque buildup is occurring on a regular basis, you eventually will find that gum recession isn't far behind. A steady presence of plaque will cause gums to recede, leaving the door open for dentin exposure as a result. Once the dentin has become exposed, it won't be long before tooth pain presents itself due to this problem. The solution is good dental hygiene as a preventative measure. Many times, overzealous brushing can play into receding gums, causing further vulnerability to sensitivity.

Periodontal Disease

Another reason for sensitive teeth occurring is periodontal disease. It's important to take seriously occurrences of bleeding gums. Quite frequently, when gums bleed after brushing, action isn't taken to prevent further problems and the periodontal disease will cause exposed dentin, resulting in sensitive teeth. Again, good flossing and brushing will prevent this problem from ever occurring.

Diet

Eating a large amount of acidic foods can contribute greatly to the breakdown of tooth enamel, leaving the dentin at risk of becoming exposed. Being aware of acidic foods like soda, coffee, citrus and any other acid in your diet will also be helpful in avoiding dentin exposure and sensitive teeth.

Bulimia

This eating disorder can cause a lot of dental problems, starting with tooth sensitivity due to the consistent presence of acid from the digestive system being in the mouth. Persistent vomiting brings the acid contents in the stomach up into the oral cavity and onto the teeth, causing the enamel breakdown that leads to dentin exposure. Obviously, discontinuing this practice would be paramount in improving sensitive teeth.

Avoiding sensitive teeth isn't difficult with good, thorough dental hygiene and a good diet and lifestyle. Of course, proper brushing and flossing will be a key player in preventing tooth sensitivity as well.