What's Causing My Sensitive, Rough Tooth Surfaces?

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Rough Tooth Surfaces

If you've noticed that your tooth feels rough or extra sensitive, you're not alone. Many people experience tooth sensitivity and rough tooth enamel at some point.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and Rough Surfaces?

There are a few potential causes of tooth sensitivity and rough tooth surfaces:

• Brushing too hard - Aggressive brushing can wear down enamel over time, exposing sensitive dentin underneath.
• Tooth erosion - Acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel, leading to roughness and sensitivity.
• Gum recession - When gums recede, it exposes sensitive root surfaces to potential irritation.
• Tooth grinding - Grinding or clenching teeth puts excessive pressure on them, causing cracks and roughness.
• Tooth decay - Cavities can cause pitting and breakdowns in the tooth's surface.

Why Does Brushing Too Hard Damage Tooth Surfaces?

Your tooth enamel is very strong, but years of overly aggressive brushing can eventually wear it down. This exposes the softer, more porous layer under the enamel called dentin.

Dentin contains thousands of tiny fluid-filled tubes leading directly to the tooth's nerve. So when dentin is exposed, you may feel pain and sensitivity from hot or cold foods and drinks or even from sweet or acidic foods.

Brushing too vigorously can also lead to gum erosion and recession. As your gums wear away, more of your teeth's sensitive root surfaces are exposed to potential irritation.

Proper Tooth Brushing Technique

The good news is that sensitivity and rough surfaces can often be prevented by brushing gently and properly:

• Use a soft or extra soft bristled toothbrush and avoid hard bristle types to brush gently.
• Place your brush at a 45-degree angle aimed toward your gums.
• Gently move the brush back and forth using short strokes.
• Brush outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
• Avoid aggressively scrubbing teeth or sawing back and forth along the gumline.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if bristles look frayed.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity Caused by Erosion

If acidic foods and drinks are eroding your enamel, you may also notice some sensitivity and roughness. Acid eats away at the enamel surface over time, causing pitting and thinning of your protective outer coating.

Preventing Erosion with Diet Changes

Reducing your intake of acidic foods and drinks can help prevent further enamel erosion. Foods to limit include:

• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes and tomato sauce
• Vinegars
• Carbonated beverages
• Wine
• Sour candies

When you do consume acidic foods or drinks:

• Avoid swishing them around your teeth.
• Use a straw to direct drinks past your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
• Wait 30 minutes before brushing to protect weakened enamel.

Using Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Specialized toothpastes contain ingredients to help strengthen and protect eroded enamel. For example:

• Potassium salts - Help block pain signals from exposed dentin.
• Fluoride - Promotes remineralization and strengthening of enamel.
• Hydroxyapatite - Mimics tooth mineral to help rebuild eroded enamel.

Ask your dentist for specific product recommendations for sensitive teeth toothpaste based on the cause and severity of your sensitivity.

What If My Tooth Sensitivity is Caused by Gum Recession?

If your tooth sensitivity is accompanied by noticeable gum recession, the cause may be more serious like:

• Periodontal disease - Bacterial infection destroys gum and bone tissue.
• Aggressive brushing - Years of hard brushing wears away gum tissue.
• Grinding and clenching - Puts extreme pressure on teeth and surrounding gums.

As the gums wear away from the base of your teeth, more sensitive root surface is exposed. Root surfaces lack the thick, protective enamel coating on the crown of your tooth.

Improving Gum Health to Reduce Sensitivity

If gum disease is the culprit, plaque and tartar removal plus antibacterial rinses or antibiotics from your dentist can help control the infection and inflammation.

For gum recession due to overzealous brushing, switching to proper brushing technique is key. Also be sure to floss daily, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, and have regular cleanings to protect gum health.

If grinding or clenching is to blame, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth while sleeping plus physical therapy to help address this habit.

Other Gum Recession Treatment Options

Additional treatments for gum recession and root sensitivity include:

• Topical sealants and bonding agents to protect exposed roots
• Root surface debridement to remove irritants
• Gum grafts to cover exposed root surfaces
• Crown lengthening procedures to reduce sensitivity

The right solution will depend on the severity of your gum recession and sensitivity symptoms.

When to See Your Dentist About Sensitive Teeth

While minor sensitivity from time to time is normal, chronic or severe tooth sensitivity warrants a dental exam. Be sure to call your dentist if:

• You experience pain every time you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic
• Brushing and flossing increases discomfort
• You notice gum, jaw, or tooth pain with no apparent cause
• Gum recession is rapidly worsening
• Cavities, cracks, or other damage may be allowing sensitivity
• At-home remedies provide little relief

Diagnostic tests and imaging allow your dentist to pinpoint what's causing discomfort. From there they can suggest targeted treatment options to help resolve your tooth sensitivity issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.