The dental condition known as tooth sensitivity is a widespread problem that affects millions of people all over the world. Consuming meals and beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic might result in discomfort or agony for the individual. There is no need to be concerned if you are one of the numerous people who are experiencing dental sensitivity. We will cover the causes of tooth sensitivity as well as the answers to this problem in this blog post. Additionally, we will provide some useful advice for controlling and preventing this discomfort.
Finding Out What Makes Your Teeth Sensitive
To properly treat sensitive teeth, it’s important to know what’s causing them. Some common things that make teeth sensitive are listed below:
- Worn Enamel: The enamel is the protective top layer of your teeth. It can wear away over time if you brush too hard, eat or drink acidic things, or grind your teeth, revealing the sensitive dentin below.
- Gum Recession: The tooth roots can be seen when the gums pull away from the teeth. Roots can become sensitive because they don’t have a layer of enamel to protect them.
- Tooth Decay or Damage: Tooth decay, gaps, or broken teeth can make sensitive parts of the tooth more visible, which can cause sensitivity.
- Dental Procedures: Some dental procedures, like teeth cleaning, fillings, or crown placement, can make your teeth sensitive for a short time.
Ways to Treat Sensitive Teeth
Now that we know what causes tooth sensitivity, let’s look at some ways to fix it:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste can help ease sensitive teeth by blocking the nerve messages that cause pain.
- Brush your teeth gently. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Instead, brush your teeth gently in a circle with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
- Stay away from acidic foods and drinks: Limit how much acidic food and drinks you drink, like soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar, because they can wear away enamel and make your teeth more sensitive.
- Fluoride Mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash to make the teeth stronger and the gums less sensitive.
- Wear a Nightguard: If grinding your teeth at night is making your teeth sensitive, a nightguard can help protect them and ease the pain.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist for check ups on a regular basis can help stop tooth decay and gum recession, which can lower the chance of sensitivity.
How to Keep Teeth From Being Sensitive
When it comes to sensitive teeth, the best thing to do is to avoid them. To help avoid sensitivity, here are some useful tips:
- To keep your mouth healthy, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Also, floss every day to get rid of plaque development.
- Use a Mouthguard for Sports: If you play sports or do other hard activities, a mouthguard can keep your teeth from getting hurt, which could make them sensitive.
- Limit treatments that whiten teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, talk to your doctor before getting your teeth whitened to find ways to make the process less painful.
- Keep your diet balanced: Eat a healthy diet full of minerals and vitamins that are good for your teeth, like dairy products with lots of calcium, leafy greens, and lean proteins.
In conclusion
Tooth sensitivity can be a painful and annoying dental problem, but you can control it and keep it from happening if you know what to do. You can ease your pain and keep your smile healthy by learning about what causes sensitivity and taking steps to fix it, like using desensitizing toothpaste, brushing gently, and practicing good oral hygiene. If the sensitivity lasts for a long time or gets worse, you should see your dentist for a professional review and personalized treatment suggestions.
For the first step toward better oral health, go to Woodcreek Family Dental in Murphy, TX. You can call our medical center at (469) 278-7988 or visit us at 410 FM 544 #103 Murphy, TX 75094.
Please keep in mind that the information in this blog is only meant to teach and should not be used instead of medical advice from a professional. Get in touch with your dentist for personalized advice on how to deal with and avoid sensitive teeth.