There are few things in life more irritating than having sensitive teeth. If you have a nagging pain in your foot, you can put it up and apply some ice. If you have a headache, you can take an Advil and grab a nap. There is no way to just let your teeth rest for a day. Sensitive teeth get agitated by hot foods, cold foods, drinks, even breathing. Unfortunately, you need to eat and drink, and hot and cold are the only options when it comes to food and water.
Sensitive teeth can be the result of poor dental hygiene or it can genetic as well. It is important to diagnose the source of your sensitive teeth and figure out how to remedy this ailment to make eating and drinking enjoyable, and not painful, once again. A visit with your dentist will always be the fastest way to deal with problems of the mouth, but until then, you can start by reading this guide to the causes and treatment of sensitive teeth.
Excessive Acid in Your Diet
A surefire path to sensitive teeth is by consuming high amounts of acidic foods, such as sugar and processed foods, and drinks like soda, juice, or citrus fruits. Unfortunately, switching to diet soda and sugar free juice will not be enough. If you are already experiencing tooth sensitivity, the only answer will be to cut out as much acid from your diet as possible. The first and easiest step should be cutting out soda, which is horrible not just for your teeth, but every part of your body.
Poor Brushing Methods
The obvious brushing tip you need to implement right away is frequency. If you aren’t brushing your teeth at least twice a day, then your teeth are going to be sensitive because they won’t be healthy. But that’s not the only problem you can have in your brushing habits. Brushing your teeth too hard can also damage the enamel that is put in place to protect your teeth, ultimately making them more sensitive to irritation.
Cracked Teeth
If you felt one of your teeth become incredibly more sensitive very suddenly, the tooth may have cracked. This crack is exposing the nerves and the inner workings of your teeth making them vulnerable to bacteria and other exposure. Switch to soft foods, avoid hard candies and food, and see your dentist at once to repair the tooth.
Tooth Decay
Improper care of your teeth can lead to your enamel to decay. Once your enamel has deteriorated, you can have a cavity on your hands, and that is going to lead to extreme pain and sensitivity in your mouth.
Gum Disease
A sign that you have poor oral health is if you have receding gums, swollen gums, or gingivitis. Everything in your mouth starts with your gums, so if they aren’t healthy, your teeth are going to let you know by being extra sensitive to everything. Receding gums will expose the root of your tooth, leaving the most vulnerable part of your tooth unprotected.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you’ll need to act fast to avoid further damage. Luckily, modest changes to your dental hygiene routine and restarting routine dentist visits can go a long way in treating sensitive teeth.
Get Cavities Filled
The only way to repair your tooth’s strength if any of your teeth have gotten to the point where a cavity has developed is through a filling. Otherwise, the inner workings of that tooth will continue to be exposed and damaged, and cause you pain for as long as you live.
Switch to a Soft Bristle Toothbrush
Brushing too hard is another common aggregator of sensitive teeth, and an easy way to help yourself is to simply switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles. This brush will be easier on your sensitive teeth. Also remember to replace your brush every 2 to 3 months or the bristles will decay and start to damage your teeth.
Use Fluoride Based Products
There are types of toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride which are designed specifically for those with sensitive teeth. These products will not only be less harsh on your teeth, but the fluoride will actually help recover any lost enamel and increase the strength of your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Keep your teeth healthy and clean, and keep yourself educated on the state of your teeth, by making regular visits to your dentist, and following his or her advice closely.