If you’ve ever experienced that sudden, sharp pain in your teeth when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or sour, or even just breathing in cold air, you know how uncomfortable and unpleasant it can be.
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, affects millions of people worldwide and can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and even brushing too hard.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what you can do to find relief and prevent tooth sensitivity.
Use a desensitizing toothpaste for tooth sensitivity
Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds that help to block the pain signals from the sensitive nerves in your teeth, providing relief from sensitivity. These kinds of toothpaste can take several applications before you feel the effects, so be patient and stick with them.
Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Brushing your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help relieve tooth sensitivity by minimizing the abrasive action on the enamel and gum tissue. When you brush too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush, it can cause the hard enamel on your teeth to wear down, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath. By brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush, you can effectively remove plaque and food particles without causing damage to your enamel or gum health.
Avoid whitening your teeth
If you’re experiencing sensitivity in your teeth, it’s important to avoid any teeth-whitening products. Teeth sensitivity can be caused by various factors, such as enamel erosion, receding gums, cavities or exposed tooth roots. When you use teeth whitening products, they contain chemicals that penetrate your tooth enamel and can irritate the nerve endings, causing discomfort and pain. It’s best to avoid using any teeth-whitening products until you’ve addressed the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks
Highly acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth, which causes sensitive teeth. Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Protect tooth enamel with a fluoride rinse
Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and can also reduce sensitivity. Use a fluoride rinse after brushing and flossing your teeth, and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Try drinking unsweetened green tea
Green tea contains natural compounds called catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make green tea an effective natural remedy for reducing tooth sensitivity. Studies have shown that the catechins in green tea can help reduce inflammation in the gums and protect against tooth decay. Additionally, green tea can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of erosion, which can cause sensitivity.
Wear a night guard
You may be experiencing tooth sensitivity if you grind your teeth at night. Tooth grinding wears away your enamel and eventually leads to exposed dentin, which can lead to sensitivity. A mouth guard can help to protect your teeth, reduce sensitivity and relieve pain.
Visit your dentist
If your tooth sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s important to visit your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist may recommend treatments like dental fillings, root canal therapy, gum treatment or other treatments to address the issue.
Start relieving your sensitive teeth today!
In conclusion, tooth sensitivity can be a frustrating and painful condition, but there are steps you can take to find relief and incorporate it into your daily oral health routine. By following these steps, you can manage your sensitivity and keep your teeth healthy and reduce tooth discomfort so you can eat hot or cold food with ease.
If you have tooth sensitivity and pain, make sure to get in contact with our dentists in East London today; we can treat sensitive teeth, so don’t wait around and let the affected teeth get worse!
