9 Tips for People with Sensitive Teeth

Enamel loss is a common reason why teeth become sensitive. Other common causes include 

• tooth decay

• cracked teeth

• dental plaque

• cavities

• sinus infections

Discomfort when eating foods at certain temperatures is usually the first indicator that a person may have this difficult-to-diagnose illness. 

When left untreated, tooth sensitivity can result in major health problems like cavities, gum disease and even chronic pain and stiffness in the jaw. 

What Can I Do If My Teeth Are Sensitive?

According to a study, over 40% of 2,413 people reported having sensitive teeth within the last year. 

Statistical analysis revealed that factors such as being female, smoking, drinking soda, not having access to dental care and not practicing good oral hygiene were significantly associated with tooth sensitivity. 

Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce sensitive teeth. 

Change Your Toothpaste

You can use toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth. This type of paste either covers up the exposed dentinal tubules or desensitizes the nerve endings in them. 

For example, those containing stannous fluoride form a protective coating over exposed dentin, while those with potassium nitrate calm nerves and lessen pain signals. 

Improve Your Hygiene Efforts

When the enamel, which normally shields the nerves inside the teeth, wears away, tooth sensitivity tends to develop. 

By keeping your mouth healthy with good dental hygiene, you protect the enamel and minimize the sensitivity of your teeth. 

Experts recommend brushing and flossing at least 2x a day. 

Use a Soft Toothbrush

Soft toothbrushes aren't harsh on the gums and teeth, which will alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. 

Overly vigorous brushing with a toothbrush that has coarse bristles will damage the gums and teeth. 

Over a period of time, the harsh brushing results in gum recession and wear and tear on the enamel, both of which contribute to dental sensitivity. 

Use a Salt Water Mouthwash

By neutralizing the mouth's pH and inhibiting the development of germs and plaque, saltwater mouthwash helps alleviate tooth sensitivity. 

In addition to reducing inflammation, the salt also acts as an antimicrobial. This allows the mouthwash to eliminate harmful germs that thrive in an acidic environment and complicate sensitive tooth problems. 

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

When you eat a lot of acidic meals, you risk wearing down your gum line, which exposes the inner layer of your teeth. Exposed inner layers also expose the nerve centers, leading to tooth sensitivity. 

The best way to keep this from happening is to cut back on processed foods, grains, spicy seasonings, certain dairy products, high-protein supplements and sodas. 

Wear a Nightguard

Grinding your teeth makes tooth sensitivity much worse. 

To prevent grinding at night while you're asleep, you can wear a mouthguard. A night guard will shield the delicate tooth nerves and keep your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other.

Brush Gently

To prevent damaging the surface, use gentle, circular motions instead of scrubbing, and never use abrasive toothpaste. 

Brushing regularly does much more than help prevent sensitive teeth. It also goes a long way toward protecting you against gum disease. 

Stop DIY Whitening Treatments Immediately

Because bleaching treatments like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide enhance enamel porosity via a chemical reaction on the tooth surface, whitening solutions can induce tooth discomfort. 

This makes the enamel more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Because of this, it's best not to use DIY whitening treatments. 

Schedule a Dental Appointment to Have Your Gums Checked

To find or rule out potential reasons for tooth sensitivity, regular dental checkups are important.

A lack of calcium, vitamin D or vitamin B12, for instance, might lead to tooth sensitivity. 

Your dentist can help you determine the cause of the sensitivity and the best course of action to take. 

Conclusion

Poor oral health can weaken your immune system and cause a variety of problems, including tooth sensitivities. This is why taking care of your teeth is key to protecting your overall health. 

If you need help with tooth sensitivity, contact Noble Dental Care today.