Top 5 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Cause #1: Aggressive Brushing

Brushing too hard or side to side may wear down the visible white part of the tooth called enamel, particularly where the teeth meet the gums, where the enamel layer is thin. If you find that you go through your brushes faster than your floss, you may need to adjust your technique to save your enamel.

Cause #2: Gum Disease

A build-up of plaque can lead to gum recession. Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse.

Cause #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 the sensitive root of the tooth.

Cause #4: Dental Erosion

If you frequently eat sharp-tasting and/or sour food and drinks, this could be stripping away tooth enamel. If enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed which can lead to sensitivity.

Cause #5: A cracked tooth

A crack can run from the biting surface of a tooth down towards the root. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort.