Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth can make life difficult. Not only do you have to watch what you eat and drink, but you also have to be careful how you brush your teeth. Sometimes, having sensitive teeth is just the luck of the draw. Most of the time, however, it’s a warning sign that there’s trouble in your mouth. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Your Teeth Are Sensitive
If you have sensitive teeth, you know that it can be downright painful at times. You have to avoid hot and cold, and even brushing your teeth can be uncomfortable. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, exposing the softer dentin underneath. The dentin has small tubes that go to the center of the tooth, where the nerve is. These tubes allow temperature changes and sugar to reach the nerve, and that’s why you feel pain when you eat ice cream or drink OJ.
Some people have naturally sensitive teeth, but most of the time, tooth sensitivity is brought on by:
- poor oral hygiene
- aggressive brushing
- tooth decay
- overuse of teeth whitening products
- clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- gum disease
In all of these cases, we can relieve the pain with treatment at our office.
What You Can Do for Sensitive Teeth
The first step in getting relief from tooth sensitivity is to visit us for an examination to find the underlying cause. Then, we can determine the right treatment plan for you. Based on our findings, we may recommend:
- Dental bonding
- Deep cleaning
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental sealants
- Custom mouthguard
In the meantime, here are some things you can do now to help your sensitive teeth:
- Get a cleaning: If it’s been a long time since you’ve had a professional cleaning at our office, schedule one as soon as possible. This will give you a clean slate from which to start with for your at-home oral hygiene routine. Once we’ve removed the stubborn plaque and tartar buildup around the gumline and between your teeth, you’ll likely notice an improvement right away. As you continue to practice good oral hygiene at home, the sensitivity should diminish.
- Change your oral hygiene habits: Poor oral hygiene at home is the number one cause of dental problems, including sensitive teeth. If you are not brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day, then it’s time to start. Likewise, if you’re brushing too harshly or using anything but a soft toothbrush, you should make it a point to be gentler. You don’t need a lot of pressure to clean your teeth. The same goes for flossing. If you take your time and are careful, you’ll have better results and less sensitivity.
- Stop using over-the-counter whitening products: If you’re a chronic user of drugstore whitening strips, toothpaste, mouthwash, or any oral care product infused with charcoal, you’re damaging your tooth enamel. Store-bought whitening products can be harsh and abrasive, which contributes to enamel erosion. Give your teeth a break and use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth along with a soft toothbrush. If you want a whiter smile, we have professional teeth whitening treatments that are safe and highly effective. Just ask us.
- Cut back on acidic foods and drinks: This one may be challenging, especially if you enjoy orange juice, coffee, tomatoes, or pickles. However, anything with a high acid content can make tooth sensitivity worse. If you’re a coffee lover, try to cut down to one a day. If you eat a lot of tomato-based dishes, consider variations like adding blended carrots to sauces to cut the acid. If you enjoy a vinaigrette dressing on your salad, opt for a creamy version instead. Small changes can make a big difference.
We understand that tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable and inconvenient, and we want to help. Call our office located in Spring Hill, FL today to schedule a consultation so we can get to the root of your tooth sensitivity.
