6 Ways to Deal with Sensitive Teeth

Let’s get this one out of the way right at the start: sensitive teeth are no joke!

Tooth sensitivity isn’t something that’s just there for you to feel uncomfortable. It’s more serious than that: worn enamel, receding gums, decaying dental work, cavities are just some of the issues that can lead to tooth sensitivity to cold and hot food and beverages.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, sensitive teeth affect at least one in eight adults in the country. The sensitivity itself can range from slight discomfort to severe pain. Since it’s a common problem, no wonder that people want to know how to deal with sensitive teeth all over.

Well, if you’re one of those people, Doral Sedation & Family Dentistry brings you 6 ways to soothe sensitive teeth (before you visit the dentist, of course).

WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVITY?

Your teeth become sensitive when the dentin or roots of the tooth become exposed. The causes for this may include worn enamel, cavities, receding gums, broken or worn or new dental work, chipped teeth, and constant teeth grinding.

In these cases, hot, cold, and spicy food can cause a lot of discomfort or can leave you in pain, depending on the severity of the issue and teeth whitening treatments, alcohol-based mouthwash, and chemical-laden toothpaste can even sometimes make things worse.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO EASE THE PAIN?

1. STRENGTHEN ENAMEL

If your enamel has become weak, help remineralizing and strengthening the surface of your teeth by brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that adults should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day,

2. PREVENTIVE CARE

When your teeth become sensitive, it’s a surefire sign that’s something fishy is going on in your mouth.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist and with routine tests, such as x-rays, your dentist can help identify causes, such as decay, early.

Removing plaque will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Establish a good dental routine of daily brushing and flossing. This will help prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.

Make sure to use a thick, soft bristle toothbrush. Hard and rough materials can even make the pain worse by penetrating the soft, exposed dentin.

3. GET A MOUTHGUARD

If you think that your tooth sensitivity might have something to do with nighttime grinding, getting an overnight, custom-fitted mouthguard that will protect your teeth from premature wear.

4. CHEW GUM

This may sound a bit odd, but it works. Chewing sugar-free gum produces saliva which helps to harden tooth enamel. The key point here is “sugar-free”. Look for these options since sugary gums leave behind residue that can worsen conditions.

5. RINSE WITH FLUORIDE

This all-natural mineral can help strengthen your enamel, the layer on your teeth that protects the sensitive root and nerves.

6. USE THE RIGHT TOOTHPASTE

Go with paste with potassium nitrate in it. This is a common ingredient in desensitizing toothpaste. It is used to block pain signals.

You can also use products that contain all-natural ingredients that are much less harsh than their synthetic counterparts.

In most cases, toothpaste is formulated with aggressive ingredients to aid in removing plaque from your teeth. However, this also comes at a cost. Many over-the-counter pastes have to potential to damage your enamel or dentin.

THE TAKEAWAY

These six tips will help you sooth teeth sensitivity, however, they won’t treat the underlying cause. In order to get rid of the sensitivity completely, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Better yet, call Doral Sedation & Family Dentistry. we’ll be more than glad to help you!