Tooth sensitivity is a very common issue that is usually triggered by cold or hot air, foods, or beverages. Usually, this feels like a sharp pain in your mouth or the triggered area which can cause discomfort. The pain is not persistent and it can go on and off depending on what is triggering it. In this blog post, we will mention the top 10 tips that will help you manage sensitive teeth and make it easier for you to deal with this issue.
Using desensitizing toothpaste is one of the best preventative methods you can take to protect the enamel layer of your tooth. Compared to conventional toothpaste, desensitizing formulations include stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate as ingredients to lessen sensitivity and shield nerves from uncomfortable stimulation. Numerous desensitizing solutions are available in the market. Ask your dentist for advice if you’re not sure which one is the right one for you.
Consider the hardness and strength of the bristles of toothbrushes when you buy them. Although brushes with medium and strong bristles may produce a richer lather of toothpaste, brushes with soft bristles are better for your dental health, particularly if you have sensitive teeth.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes save your dentin layer and nerves from damage by being less harsh on sensitive tooth enamel. Using these brushes also makes it simpler to prevent over-scrubbing and tiny rips or holes around your gums and teeth. On the package, the majority of firms will state if their toothbrushes are suitable for sensitive teeth or not.
Mouth ulcers, tooth damage, and sensitivity-related oral discomfort can all be relieved by rinsing with saltwater. In addition to acting as an antibacterial for a clean, healthy mouth, this kind of mouthwash helps freshen your breath and lessen inflammation. In order to prevent bacterial development, saltwater creates an environment in your mouth that is alkaline and momentarily raises its natural pH level.
This bacterial growth may cause or make sensitive teeth worse by eroding your enamel and exposing your dentin. By taking this preventative step together with other strategies like fluoride toothpaste, you can lessen your chances of developing dental sensitivity.
Hydrogen peroxide is another mouth rinse you could use to help manage and prevent tooth sensitivity. This will not only help with sensitivity but will also:
Combine one part 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide with two parts warm water to make a hydrogen peroxide solution. It’s critical to utilize this proportion since anything stronger might be harmful to your mouth. After 30 seconds, gargle with the solution and then spit it out. Use fresh water to rinse your mouth to get rid of any extra hydrogen peroxide that may be left.
Bruxism is a condition that is caused by excessive teeth grinding and can seriously harm your mouth and jaw. As time passes it erodes your teeth’s enamel, making them more sensitive to pain and discomfort. Prolonged bruxism can potentially exacerbate jaw disorders, cause teeth to come loose, and change the contours of your face.
Clenching your jaw as a response to stress and anxiety is very common and many people are not even aware that they are doing it. Sometimes this can even happen during sleep and you cannot control it. This condition can lead to a lot of issues and one of them can be teeth sensitivity.
If you think that you might suffer from bruxism we would recommend you to go to the dentist and ask him to make you a mouthguard to protect your teeth from further damage and sensitivity. You can wear this overnight and your teeth will remain safe and protected.
Acidic chemicals found in many processed and natural food items erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Eating and drinking less acidic foods and beverages, or consuming them in moderation, is one strategy to prevent or alleviate dental sensitivity. Products with acidic components include, for example:
Nevertheless, if you sometimes eat them, remember to wait at least an hour before cleaning your teeth. Brushing them right away might make the damage to your enamel worse. Rather, wash your teeth before consuming any food or liquids, and then rinse your mouth with fresh water to get rid of any remaining acid.
One of the strongest defenses against tooth sensitivity is maintaining good oral health since mouth injuries and infections damage teeth. Oil pulling is one technique that might help to maintain a healthier and more clean mouth.
Rinsing your mouth with a natural, food-grade oil, such as melted coconut oil, is known as “oil pulling,” and it helps remove toxins and harmful germs while also inhibiting the formation of new bacteria. Additionally beneficial for moisturizing gums and increasing saliva production, oil pulling also aids in oral hygiene.
Natural mineral fluoride is necessary for strong teeth and a healthy mouth. It coats exposed dentin to help prevent cavities from growing and to reduce discomfort. Silver diamine fluoride is one kind of fluoride treatment for tooth sensitivity that can reduce mouth discomfort and fortify your teeth against acid and decay. Use these strategies to add more fluoride to your everyday routine.
During your next appointment or examination, your dentist may additionally professionally apply fluoride if needed. For sensitive teeth, professional fluoride treatments work best when given twice a year or more frequently. But this will depend on your specific case.
You may want to discuss getting a dental varnish or coating with your dentist if your teeth are sensitive and negatively affecting your quality of life. Coatings and varnishes provide your mouth with an extra layer of defense, reducing sensitivity symptoms and minimizing further issues.
For example, fluoride varnish coats and strengthens teeth by combining a concentrated form of fluoride with a resin-like substance. This varnish will be applied to your teeth by a dentist, and it will cling to the surface and fill up any gaps or small fissures that can cause pain and discomfort. Your dentist should reapply the varnish every three to four months for optimal results when treating sensitive teeth with this procedure.
While some sensitivity is considered normal, persistent symptoms or unusual tooth discomfort can raise red flags. One sign of periodontal disease, a hazardous infection of the gum tissue, is tooth sensitivity. Some other signs and symptoms include:
Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, chewing issues, and persistent mouth pain if left untreated. After poor oral care, plaque accumulation is one of the main causes of gum disease. Make an appointment for a dental examination if you have severe and ongoing tooth sensitivity, either with or without the associated symptoms mentioned above. They will evaluate the circumstances and choose the most effective course of action to relieve your discomfort.
