You may experience abrupt, short-lived, acute pain on your teeth when you have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can have an impact on anybody. It may be brought on by eating or drinking hot or cold meals, as well as sweet or sour foods. And it may affect more than one tooth.
If the root surface is exposed, the tooth becomes sensitive in extremely hot or cold conditions. Heat and cold can excite the nerves when the protecting tubules that surround the dentin are lost.
Here are some dos and don’ts when caring for sensitive teeth.
DO:
- Do Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods like sodas, juices, fruits, etc. can harm your enamel if you consume them frequently. The important thing is to keep everything in moderation—you don’t actually need to stop completely. Use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth when drinking by aiming it at the back of your mouth.
By combining an acidic and non-acidic food in your meal, you can also balance acids while you’re eating. Fruits in water is an illustration. When you exercise and before bed, you generate less saliva, therefore you should avoid acidic foods.
- Do Maintain Good Dental Health
Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste, or even better, a sensitivity toothpaste, to brush your teeth at least two to three times a day. Utilizing a brush with soft to medium bristles, make small, circular motions. A saw-like effect on the edges of the enamel causes damage while cleaning your teeth from side to side.
- Do Make Use of a Desensitizing Toothpaste.
There are specific toothpastes available that are designed to safeguard the enamel and may lessen tooth sensitivity. It functions by obstructing the dentin tubules. You can either purchase one at a store or ask your dentist for a recommendation. We’ve seen good results with both Sensodyne and Boka.
- Do Make Regular Dental Visits
It’s necessary to practice prevention. Your teeth may experience less damage as a result of your dentist’s routine examinations and cleanings. Additionally, your dentist can keep an eye on the condition of your teeth and gums, looking for any issues or early indications of decay.
DON’T:
- Don’t Wait Until The Pain Is Intolerable
For anyone with sensitive teeth, preventive treatment can be the best option. If the pain is intolerable, you may need to contact a doctor right away. You might have to employ special techniques, painkillers, or both to deal with the pain.
Preventive care can find it before it occurs or worsens. Additionally, it can spare you from potential future suffering and costs.
- Don’t Whiten Your Teeth
While showing off your radiant smile and whitening your teeth may give you more confidence, some people may have negative side effects. The market is filled with many teeth whitening products, and your dentist’s office may also do teeth whitening procedures.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening can often make teeth more sensitive. Our teeth are susceptible to peroxide, which is an element in certain whitening solutions. It is best to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of teeth whitening with your dentist before having the process done.
- Don’t Grind Your Teeth
Also referred to as “bruxism,” grinding your teeth can wear them down, and harm any dental work you’ve already had done. As the outer layer of the tooth enamel begins to erode, your teeth become more sensitive. In order to avoid this, you may need to utilize a night guard. These can be purchased from your pharmacy. You can also speak to your dentist about them; they’ll be able to fit you with the right one.
Have you ever had sensitive teeth? Or do you want to learn about further ways to combat tooth sensitivity? For assistance with your questions, get in touch with us right now! At our dentist office in Tijuana, Mexico, you can also stop by for a dental consultation and checkup.