Dealing with sensitive teeth? If so, we understand your pain. Tooth sensitivity can be more than just annoying, it can severely impact your life, especially if you can’t eat or drink without discomfort.
In most cases, teeth are sensitive because their protective outer layers have worn away. This exposes your tooth’s dentin, which is full of tiny tubes with sensitive nerve endings running through them.
Try these five tips to help prevent and ease the pain.
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Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth
Several brands of toothpaste on the market are designed specifically for those that suffer from sensitive teeth. Some pastes contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate, which helps block the tiny tubules in the dentin. They don’t work for everybody, but experts agree it’s usually the best place to start. For best results, use for at least six months.
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Switch Up Your Brushing Technique
If you’re not using a soft toothbrush or if you’re scrubbing your teeth vigorously then you are actually making the sensitivity of your teeth worse. Hard brushing can actually wear away enamel and expose the dentin in your teeth.
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Avoid acidic food and drinks
Exposure to red wine, soda, fruit juices and acidic foods-such as oranges and pickles can reduce enamel and increase teeth sensitivity. Limit these foods and drinks and try to brush your teeth about 20 minutes after eating them. It is always a good idea to be cautious about consuming certain foods and drinks, as enamel loss is irreversible.
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Prevent Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, you could be wearing away enamel and creating a sensitivity problem. You may not even realize you’re grinding your teeth; most people do it primarily while sleeping. Unexplained jaw pain or headaches could also be a clue. If you do grind your teeth, try a mouth guard at night or change your sleeping position. If you notice yourself clenching your teeth during the day, remind yourself to relax your jaw and keep your teeth slightly apart.
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Take Care of Your Gums
Normally the root of your tooth is covered up by your gum tissue. But if you have some gum recession, caused by gum disease or even hard brushing, then the root will be exposed and the cementum can be worn away. If this is the case, we can help rebuild or restore your receding gums.
If none of the above options work for you, talk to Dr. Snow about painted on barriers. Desensitizing agents like fluoride varnish or even plastic resins can be applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth to improve functioning.
Interested in learning more options that can help manage or prevent tooth sensitivity? Contact Snow Family Dentistry today at 480-331-1930!
