You are savoring your favorite ice cream, but suddenly, you feel a jolt of discomfort seeping through your teeth. Ouch! Sensitive teeth strike again.
We know the feeling. Sensation running through your teeth is the most uncomfortable feeling ever. So, how to beat this icy dilemma?
Don’t worry! We have prepared a sensitive teeth management guide for you, so read on till the end.
Table of Contents
What Does the Sensation in Teeth Feel Like?
Sensation in teeth usually emerges when you eat or drink something cold or hot. Sensitive teeth point towards exposed dentin due to receding gum or enamel erosion.
On the other hand, persistent teeth discomfort may arise from inflammation within the pulp, often manifesting as an ache or pressure.
Moreover, acute tooth pain may occur due to injury or infection, causing throbbing pain and sharp shooting sensations.
The pain in your teeth happens due to the interplay between nerve endings, dental structure, and potential underlying issues.
Fun Fact Break: Do you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? Wait, there’s more! It’s even hard than your bones. But even this superhero of your mouth can’t always protect you against sensitivity.
How to Deal with Sensitive Teeth?
You have got sensitivity in your teeth. Now, what to do? You can opt for costly treatments or try some proven tips and hacks to manage sensitive teeth at home.
Some of the best practices to deal with sensitive teeth are as follows:
Get the Right Toothpaste- Sensitive Edition
When choosing toothpaste, opt for the ones specially designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients that help to block those sensations from reaching the nerve endings in your teeth.
Brushing with this paste twice a day can work wonders.
Soft Bristles Only, Please
Your teeth deserve a gentle touch.
Swap out your bristle-bully toothbrush for a softer one. Scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush helps to keep your enamel strong while minimizing irritation to sensitive areas.
Beware the Acidic Attack
Fruits like lemons and oranges may be zesty treats. However, they can also be acidic troublemakers.
Study says that acidic foods and drinks can wear down your enamel, exposing sensitive spots. If you indulge, swish some water afterward to wash away the acids.
Master the Art of Gentle Flossing
Flossing is like a hug for your teeth, but do it gently!
Abrasive flossing can worsen sensitivity. Use waxed floss and glide it between your teeth gently. It will remove food particles without causing distress.
Suggested Read: 5 Reasons Why Flossing is Important?
Limit Your Love for Teeth-Staining Drinks
Coffee and tea are like life potions for many, but they can cause teeth to lose their shine and become sensitive.
Consider sipping these drinks through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Knight in Shining Armor: Fluoride
Fluoride is like armor for your teeth, shielding them against sensitivity.
Regularly using fluoride-based mouthwash can help strengthen enamel and reduce those unwelcome sensations.
Suggested Read: Fluoride Benefits – Can It Help Prevent Tooth Decay?
Sensitive Teeth? Time to Rethink Your Diet
It’s time to say goodbye to excessive sugary treats.
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can aid in keeping your teeth robust and sensitivity-free.
Say hello to cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens!
Sip Smartly, Not Constantly
Sipping on sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day is like sending out invitations to sensitivity.
Opt for sips at meal times and hydrate with water in between.
Nighttime Grind? Guard Up!
Grinding your teeth at night is a silent enemy of enamel.
Talk to your dentist about a nightguard to protect your teeth from nighttime grinding-induced sensitivity.
Gear Up for Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups help spot potential sensitivity triggers early on and keep your oral health in tip-top shape.
These checkups are pivotal in maintaining oral health, as your dentist can detect and address issues in their early stages.
They can also give you thorough teeth cleanings that help control plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Dentist Recommendation: With experience spanning over 19 years, Dr. Malik Ali Hassan Sajid is one of the best dentists in Lahore. You can go to him for all your tooth ailments for the best treatment solutions.
Bonus Tip: Minty Fresh Sensation
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can increase saliva flow. It helps neutralize acids and maintain a minty-fresh feeling.
What are the Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth?
If the teeth sensitivity affects you badly, you can get dental treatments to deal with this problem. Some of the options are:
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Special toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help. These toothpastes contain compounds that block the tiny tubes in the dentin. It is the layer beneath your tooth enamel that transmit sensations.
Using this toothpaste regularly can gradually reduce sensitivity.
Fluoride Treatment
Dentists can apply a fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen your tooth enamel. It helps to protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity.
The fluoride helps rebuild the minerals in your enamel and make it stronger.
Dental Sealants
These are thin coatings that your dentist can apply to the exposed tooth surfaces, especially the chewing surfaces of molars.
Sealants create a barrier that helps shield your teeth from sensitivity triggers like cold or hot foods.
Gum Grafting
If your gums have receded and exposed the sensitive roots of your teeth, your dentist might recommend a gum graft.
It involves taking a small piece of tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and attaching it to the receded area. Moreover, it covers the exposed roots and reduces sensitivity.
Desensitizing Agents
Dentists can apply special desensitizing agents to your teeth. These agents can block the nerve signals that cause sensitivity.
They are usually painted or brushed onto the sensitive areas of your teeth.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which can cause sensitivity.
Make sure you’re cleaning your teeth and gums effectively.
Suggested Read: How Can Poor Oral Health Impact You?
When to Visit a Dentist?
From choosing the right toothpaste to embracing a tooth-friendly diet, you can easily manage tooth sensitivity.
Remember! Maintaining good oral hygiene and making mindful choices in your diet and habits can go a long way in keeping sensitivity at bay.
However, if your teeth sensitivity is persistent and isn’t going away even with precautions, you should consult a professional.
Reach out to a qualified dentist via Healthwire.
