5 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. Aggressive Brushing

Brushing too hard may wear down the visible white part of the tooth called enamel, one of the tooth’s 4 major tissues and the hardest substance in the body. If you find that you go through your brushes faster than your floss, you may need to adjust your technique to save your enamel.

2. Lack of a Twice-Daily Routine

Taking a laid-back approach to brushing, flossing and rinsing can let tarter build up along the gum line to the point that only a dentist can remove it. Be sure to enhance your oral care routine to include rinsing with LISTERINE® mouthwash.

3. You Have Receding Gums

You may have noticed that your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth. This means your gums are receding, exposing sensitive nerve branches living in the tooth’s root. Gum disease or harsh brushing can be culprits.

4. Acidic Diet

If you frequently eat sharp-tasting and/or sour food and drinks, this could be stripping away tooth enamel. Check your regular diet for highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, yogurt, sour cream, aged cheeses and acidic drinks, such as orange juice, sports drinks, wine and carbonated drinks, including soda. Aim to limit your intake of these foods.

5. Sugary Diet

Loading up on sugary treats such as cookies and cake can prompt bacteria to grow, leading to eroding gums that expose sensitive areas of the teeth.