Best Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth.
If you pass on hot or cold drinks because you know they’ll make your teeth hurt, it may be time to talk to your dentist about the possibility that you have sensitive teeth. In the meantime, here are some helpful home treatements to help with sensitive teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.
If you’re bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain.
Finding the source of your sensitivity is important to recommending treatment. To ease the pain in the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try until your next dental appointment.
Regular dental appointments are just as important as doctor appointments, especially if you begin to experience consistent toothaches after eating cold foods or beverages.
6 Things To Try At Home To Help With Tooth Sensitivity
It is important to see your dentist, especially if you experience any sensitivity. However, here are some tips to help with your tooth sensitivity that you can try at home.
1. Don't Brush Too Hard
Do you clean your teeth with a heavy hand? You might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and strong.
2. Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth
Using toothpaste that is specifically designed for treating tooth sensitivity can be helpful for symptom relief. Most of these toothpastes contain an ingredient that temporarily fills tiny holes in your enamel and dentin. This reduces the amount of exposure your teeth’s sensitive nerves will receive.
3. Use Only Soft Toothbrushes
One easy tip to utilize for sensitive teeth relief is changing out your toothbrush. If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you could be making your condition worse. Stiff bristles and abrasive toothpastes are hard on enamel, leading to more microscopic holes and eventually more sensitivity.
4. Unclench your teeth.
Over time, teeth grinding wears away your enamel. Sometimes, addressing your stress can stop the problem. If that doesn’t work, your dentist can fit you for a splint or a mouth guard. If the problem is severe, you may need dental work to change your teeth’s position, or a muscle relaxant.
5. Take a break from bleaching
The quest for pearly whites may cause your pain. Thankfully, sensitivity from bleaching is usually temporary. Talk to your dentist about how the treatment might be affecting you, and whether you should continue it.
6. Avoid acidic foods and drinks
Soda, sticky candy, high-sugar carbs attack enamel. Instead of coffee, try green or black tea, or chew sugarless gum. If you do eat something acidic, don’t rush to brush. Wait an hour or so to strengthen before you scrub.
Get To The Root Of The Problem
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of other issues such as; naturally shrinking gums, gum disease, a cracked tooth or filling. Your dentist will help you find the problem, and can provide treatement options other than what’s listed above to help relieve your pain.
It’s also important not to shy away from dental care because of tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can make things worse. Brush and floss twice a day to help keep your smile bright and pain-free. And see your dentist for a checkup twice a year.
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