Causes of sore teeth that should not be ignored
Do cold drinks make your teeth sore or do you grimace when you brush your teeth in the morning? If yes, you have a type sensitive teeth which can cause a sense of pain. It is better if you know in advance what causes painful or sensitive teeth to bother you.
Various causes of toothache
Teeth become sensitive when tooth coating so-called dentin is exposed to the outside of the tooth, for example due to enamel damage. Enamel is a protective barrier that is on the outer layer of teeth.
Dentin is connected by a channel that contains nerve fibers. So, when the dentine is exposed to cold, heat, or food, automatically the nerve fibers are also exposed and make teeth ache.
There are several things that cause teeth to become more sensitive or feel sore. You can avoid it so that the pain doesn’t recur or get worse.
1. Not being careful when you brush your teeth
When brushing your teeth, You have to pay attention to a number of things so as not to cause damage to tooth enamel. Brushing too hard and too much pressure is the wrong way to brush your teeth and can cause toothache.
Factor toothbrush selection also can be a trigger for sensitive teeth. Using a hard, coarse bristle brush can make gum sores and teeth ache.
Brushing your teeth too hard with coarse bristles will gradually cause erosion of the tooth layer. As a result, the teeth become sore and sensitive. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to brush your teeth more slowly.
2. Food consumed
Maybe you don’t really realize which foods and drinks can make your teeth ache. Therefore, it is better to start paying more attention to what foods can trigger toothache at any time.
Foods and drinks that trigger toothache are especially those that are too acidic, hot, or cold. Here are some types of foods and drinks that cause toothache.
- Ice Cube. Not only is the temperature of the ice cubes very cold, the hard texture of the ice cubes can also damage the lining of the teeth, causing tooth pain.
- Candy which is very sweet and sticky that sticks to the teeth can stimulate the nerves in the dentin (inner layer of the teeth) and the teeth can hurt even more.
- Sour fruits. According to Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of dental professionals, sour fruits can trigger toothache because the acidity of these fruits can dissolve tooth enamel.
- Hot drinks and food such as tea and coffee are also often the cause of toothache.
- Soda has two main ingredients that can stimulate tooth pain, namely sugar and acid, so it’s no wonder that soda is very easy to make teeth ache.
Exposure to the temperature of the drink or food you consume can directly affect the exposed dentis. Drinks and food too cold, too hot, or too acidic can also cause erosion of the tooth layer ( tooth erosion). This is what makes teeth feel sore.
The habit of eating hot food and then immediately drinking cold or vice versa is also one of the bad habits that causes toothache due to erosion.
If your nerve pathways are exposed to acidic foods such as ketchup, lemon, kiwi, and pickles, you can also feel toothache. Reducing such foods or drinks can help you to avoid them tooth ache.
3. Using whitening toothpaste
You may use a toothpaste that contains chemicals for this whiten teeth. These chemicals are sometimes too harsh so they can damage the surface of the teeth and lead to tooth sensitivity aches.
If your toothpaste contains a bleaching agent, consider replacing the product immediately. For example, by using regular or special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
4. His hobby is gargling with medicine
Like whitening toothpaste, some mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive to stimuli. Especially if your dentin area is exposed.
This is because the dentin is connected directly to the nerve center in the tooth. So if it is not protected, the nerve center will be susceptible to pain.
Instead, try cleaning your teeth using dental floss to clean food debris that has slipped between your teeth and cannot be reached by a toothbrush.
Not only that, if you are used to using mouthwash, try to choose type of mouthwash other. For example, mouthwash that does not contain alcohol and mouthwash that contains fluoride for sensitive teeth.
5. Gum disease
As you get older (especially if you don’t take care of your teeth), you can experience various gum diseases. Gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity so that the teeth ache.
If gum disease is the problem, your dentist will offer appropriate treatment to treat the disease that is causing it.
Problems with the gums that can also be a cause of sensitive teeth, such as inflammation of the gums ( gingivitis) or gum infection ( periodontitis). So, make it a habit to regularly check with your dentist.
6. Excessive plaque buildup
The purpose of using dental floss and a toothbrush is to remove plaque that builds up after you eat. Plaque buildup excess can cause tooth enamel loss.
Therefore, this can also be one of the causes of toothache or sensitivity due to losing the protection provided by enamel.
The solution is to have a good daily dental care and visit your dentist to clean it at least once every six months.
7. Cavities and decay
Cavity can cause a lot of pain, more than just sensitive teeth. Your dentist will need to examine your teeth and determine the appropriate treatment, such as a tooth filling.
As you get older, patches it can weaken, break, or leak around the edges. This can make it easier for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny gaps. Eventually it forms a buildup of acid that causes tooth enamel to break down.
8. There is a broken tooth
Have you ever had a tooth that suddenly broke from biting something hard enough? Not only that, this condition can also be caused due to an injury or not being able to bear the weight when biting.
Be careful because cracked or broken teeth can also be the cause of your teeth ache. If left alone it can cause excessive pain. Immediately see a doctor to get further treatment.
9. Effects after performing medical procedures
Do your teeth feel sore after doing certain procedures at the dentist? Don’t panic just yet because these conditions are common.
Usually, root canal procedures, extraction, or perform placement dental crown can also be a cause of tooth pain.
However, if the pain doesn’t go away after a few hours or even a day, it’s best to call your doctor again. This needs to be done to avoid infection after the procedure that has been carried out.
10. Perform the bleaching process
Toothpaste with whitening content can make your teeth more sensitive. Likewise when you do such treatments teeth bleaching which can also cause teeth to become sore.
This is because the chemical content of the stain remover is hard enough to erode the enamel.
A 2021 study published by Journal of the American Dental Association find, applying desensitizing gel prior to processing bleaching claimed to reduce pain after treatment.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.