Sensitive teeth are a common dental problem Dentist Robina that affects nearly 40 million people in the United States. If you’re suffering from this pain, there are many things you can do to relieve the sensitivity and get back to enjoying your favorite foods and drinks again!
Best Treatments for Teeth Sensitivity
When the protective layer of your tooth — enamel — wears away or gets exposed, your teeth become sensitive. The underlying material, called dentin, contains thousands of tiny tubules that let hot, cold and sweet substances enter your teeth’s nerves. When these tubules are exposed, the sensation of those stimuli triggers your pain response.
Luckily, there are some simple treatments you can try at home before you visit your dentist to find out what is causing the sensitivity. Some of these include changing your diet, using desensitizing toothpaste and using a soft toothbrush.
Eat a Low Acid Diet
Eating a diet that is low in acidic food and drink helps reduce your sensitivity. Swap high-acid foods like soda, sticky candy and carbs for fruits and veggies that are full of fiber and nutrients. You can also ask your hygienist about a mouth rinse with fluoride.
Brush with Soft Bristles
Using a toothbrush that is too hard can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and expose the nerve to pain. This can also damage your enamel, so try to switch to a softer-bristled brush that will help protect your teeth and reduce the risk of sensitivity.
Toothbrushes aren’t always one size fits all, so try several to find the best fit for you! You can even try different types of brushes, such as ones that have soft bristles and others that are shaped like toothbrushes.
A splint or mouthguard can also help prevent you from clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, which can wear down your enamel and increase sensitivity. Stress can also increase your risk of clenching and grinding, so it’s important to reduce your stress levels and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Regular Dental Appointments
Visiting your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy is the best way to avoid tooth sensitivity. Your hygienist and dentist can help you establish good oral hygiene habits, including brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and rinsing your mouth with a low-acid toothpaste.
If you notice that your sensitivity has gotten worse, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the best treatment for you. It may be necessary to get a dental filling, a root canal or even a surgical gum graft if the sensitivity is caused by loss of gum tissue.
Dental Bonding
Your dentist can use a dental bonding procedure to repair teeth that are chipped or cracked, weakened by a cavity, or have exposed roots from receding gums. Dental bonding is a great option for patients with sensitivity because it is a natural-looking solution that can be done in the office.