If you have started experiencing tooth sensitivity, you'll want to get to the bottom of what's causing it so you can overcome it. Many times the sensitivity is caused by a dental issue that requires treatment from a dentist, such as a cavity or an exposed nerve. However, this isn't always the case, and the sensitivity may actually be caused by something you are doing. Learn about things you may be doing that can make your teeth sensitive so you can stop doing those things.

Eating very hot or cold foods

No matter how healthy your teeth are, they do have their limits. Eating very cold foods with your teeth, such as biting into and chewing ice cream, can cause sensitivity. Also, allowing very hot foods to come in direct contact with your teeth can have the same effect.

Brushing your teeth too hard

You may think that the harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner you will get them. However, this is not true, and brushing them too hard may even hinder your ability to clean them properly. Brushing hard will bend and smash the bristles of your toothbrush, keeping them from reaching where you need them to. Also, over-brushing can wear down the protective layers of your teeth over time, and this can make your teeth sensitive to heat and cold.

Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth at night, it will wear down your teeth. Once your teeth are worn down, the enamel will be thin or nonexistent, and this leaves the more sensitive parts of your teeth exposed to the elements, making them extremely sensitive. It also increases your chances for developing cavities. There are ways your dentist can help you stop grinding your teeth, such as having you wear a night guard when you sleep.

You use too many dental hygiene products

While it's important to follow good oral hygiene habits, it can be bad to use too many products to excessively clean your mouth. An example would be to brush your teeth many times a day and to use strong mouthwash throughout the day. This can eventually lead to the erosion of your enamel. Once your enamel gets too thin, it can make your teeth more sensitive.

If you aren't sure what's causing your teeth to feel sensitive, then you should go in to your dentist for an exam. They can help determine the problem and promptly treat it. For more information, contact a local clinic like Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS. 

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