The Surprising Oral Hygiene Mistake That's Making Your Teeth Hurt

The way you take care of your mouth now can make a big difference down the road when it comes to preventing gum disease, cavities, and even bad breath. Most of us know the basics of brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. But there's more to good oral hygiene than just brushing and flossing. Your tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria that contributes to bad breath and other oral health issues, so it's a good idea to brush your tongue or start incorporating tongue scraping into your routine. Many dentists also recommend using a mouth rinse to help cut down on bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

But here's where many people make a surprising mistake. Using mouthwash too often can make your teeth more sensitive. Some mouthwash products contain acids that can slowly wear away your tooth enamel over time. This exposes the dentin, which is the layer beneath your enamel that's packed with sensitive nerve endings. When that protective enamel thins out, your teeth become more prone to sensitivity.

And while that sharp, minty burn from alcohol-based mouthwashes might leave your mouth feeling extra clean, the alcohol in these rinses lowers the pH in your mouth, making it almost as acidic as vinegar. These types of mouthwashes can make your teeth hurt.

Tooth sensitivity is more common than you might think. A 2024 article in the Journal of Dentistry found that about 76% of people studied had experienced sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can make everyday things like eating hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods uncomfortable or even painful.

There are plenty of reasons your teeth might be more sensitive than usual. Brushing too hard, using teeth whitening products, or grinding your teeth are just some of the habits that can wear down enamel and expose the sensitive layer underneath. But the ingredients in your mouthwash might also be part of the problem. Alcohol-based mouthwashes, which are pretty common, can make teeth more sensitive if you use them too often. They can also disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth and interfere with saliva production, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

But alcohol isn't the only ingredient to be aware of. Some mouthwashes contain peroxide, the same ingredient found in teeth whitening products, which can increase sensitivity. Other ingredients like chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride may also irritate sensitive teeth. Even menthol, which gives that icy-fresh feeling, can sometimes trigger discomfort if your teeth are already on the sensitive side.

You don't have to give up that fresh, clean feeling you get from using mouthwash. While your dentist can recommend the best ways to manage tooth sensitivity, many dental brands now make mouthwashes specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Some of these formulas contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, CoQ10, or potassium nitrate, which can help calm irritated nerves and reduce discomfort. Just remember, you don't need to use these mouthwashes more than twice a day.

And don't steer clear of fluoride. Fluoride is actually one of the best defenses against sensitivity. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel, making your teeth more resistant to irritation. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends fluoride gel treatments as one option for easing tooth sensitivity.

It's also worth looking at your diet. According to University General Dentists, acidic foods like citrus fruits can wear down your enamel, leading to pain and sensitivity. You don't have to give them up entirely, but eating fewer acidic fruits can help. If you drink citrus juices or sodas, use a straw to limit how much acid comes in contact with your teeth. And try to sip water throughout the day to rinse away excess acids and food debris. Staying hydrated also keeps your saliva working properly, and that's important because saliva plays a key role in protecting your teeth.