Do you feel discomfort in your teeth when you drink a cold beverage? You might have experienced something known as tooth sensitivity or in medical terms: dentin hypersensitivity. Simple remedies such as the way you brush your teeth or the things you eat and drink can be the root of the problem (no pun intended). Luckily for you, there are many ways to treat teeth sensitivity and improve your oral health.
Here’s why you could be experiencing tooth sensitivity and the steps you should take to treat the issue:
- Brushing with a heavy hand – Are you brushing your teeth too hard? Brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause tooth sensitivity. It’s possible that over time, you can wear down protective layers of your teeth’s enamel that connect to your dental nerves. o Instead, try brushing your teeth gently and in a slower motion with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
- Acidic foods and drinks – some highly acidic foods and drinks that cause tooth sensitivity are sour or sticky. For example, candy, soda, orange juice, pickle juice and high-sugary carbs. These treats attack and soften the surface of your teeth which eventually damages your enamel. o Instead, try to eat more fruits and vegetables and drink beverages low in sugar such as milk. These foods and beverages produce more saliva and moisten your mouth, which will help fight against acid and bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you do happen to eat or drink anything acidic, try to wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth.
- Teeth grinding – Through time, grinding your teeth can wear down your tooth enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed; the middle layer of your tooth. If your tooth enamel gets destroyed, it becomes almost difficult to bring it back to what it was before. Sometimes we can’t control ourselves from grinding our teeth, especially when we are sleeping but it’s still important to address the issue as soon as possible. o Instead, talk to your dentist about getting and using a mouth guard that will prevent you from grinding your teeth.
- Cracked teeth – Cracking or chipping a tooth can cause serious pain that can be far more painful than tooth sensitivity. Typically, you notice the pain whenever your tooth gets cold or even just by touching it. o Instead, get with your dentist about different treatment options, such as a tooth filling or sealant.
- Using teeth whitening toothpaste – Although using teeth whitening toothpaste helps with those pearly whites, some people feel tooth sensitivity from whitening chemicals that companies use in their toothpaste. o Instead, if your toothpaste contains whitening formulas, consider switching to one that doesn’t. You can also talk to your dentist about safer and healthier teeth whitening remedies you can use.
- Having excessive plaque – One of the main benefits of your tooth enamel is the protection it provides your teeth from daily wear and tear. Having a buildup of plaque can cause your tooth enamel to wear down and ultimately give your teeth less protection, making your teeth more sensitive. o Instead, practice good dental care like flossing and visiting your dentist for cleanings every six months or more if necessary.
At Elevate Dental, we want to help you have a beautiful, healthy smile. We provide many preventable solutions for tooth sensitivity and other dental problems, no matter how big or small the issue is. Need to make a visit? Schedule your appointment today!
