When Brushing Your Teeth Makes Them More Sensitive

Brushing and flossing your teeth on a consistent basis are the most important steps in keeping them strong and healthy. By cleaning away the buildup of plaque on your teeth, you can reduce the risks of the bacteria within it causing any substantial problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. However, if brushing and flossing your teeth seems more challenging because it makes your teeth feel sensitive, then it may be an indication that a problem has already begun to develop. If so, then your teeth will need professional attention and care from your dentist to alleviate their sensitivity, and to protect their health and integrity.

Because you’re brushing too forcefully

While it’s important to be diligent in your keeping your teeth clean consistently, trying to brush or floss them too harshly can actually harm your teeth rather than help them. The enamel that surrounds and protects your teeth is the most resilient substance that your body produces. However, it isn’t indestructible, and under the immense force of harsh brushing and flossing, along with the abrasive nature of many of today’s toothpastes, your enamel can start to wear down and make your teeth more sensitive.

Because your tooth enamel is weak

When you scrub your tooth enamel too harshly, your teeth can become more sensitive as it grows weaker. However, this isn’t the only way in which your tooth enamel can lose some of its resiliency and leave your teeth more sensitive. This process also occurs when oral bacteria overwhelm your teeth and release substances that weaken the enamel, sapping your teeth of enamel-enriching minerals in the process. The sensitivity your teeth feel when their enamel grows weaker can be warning sign. Once the enamel is compromised, the tooth can develop decay quickly, and require more involved restorative treatment to alleviate the pain and restore the tooth.

Because your teeth’s roots are exposed

The main part of your tooth, called the crown, is the part that’s covered by enamel, and that you consistently clean when you brush and floss your teeth. Your teeth’s roots rest below your gums and in your jawbone structure, and are not covered by protective layers of enamel. If your gums start to recede, or if you brush so harshly that you compromise your gum tissues, then the roots of your teeth can become exposed to things like your foods and beverages, or harmful oral bacteria. Exposed teeth roots not only make your teeth sensitive, but also significantly increase your risks of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and more.

Learn how to make your teeth less sensitive

If brushing and flossing your teeth makes them excessively sensitive, it could be an indication that one or more chronic concerns have already developed. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234.