The uncomfortable zings of pain associated with tooth sensitivity can be enough to keep you from enjoying your favorite hot or cold foods or beverages. But nobody wants to pass on their favorite treats because of sensitive teeth. At our dental office in Holland, we have a few tips that can help ease pain caused by tooth sensitivity so you can get back to snacking on things such as ice cream, popsicles, hot tea, and steaming soup without fear of pain.
One of the things you can do at home to help with tooth sensitivity is to brush gently. Scrubbing your teeth too hard can scratch and wear away enamel or even cause gums to recede. When this happens, the inner workings of the tooth, including the roots and nerves, can become exposed. If those nerves are then introduced to foods or drinks at extreme temperatures, you will feel the shooting pain of sensitivity. If the bristles on your toothbrush are jagged and pointing in various directions, you may be brushing with too much pressure.
Similarly to brushing gently, using a toothbrush with soft bristles as opposed to hard bristles can also help protect enamel and gums from damage. Toothbrushes that have bristles that are too stiff can easily scratch enamel and push gums away from teeth again exposing roots and nerves to the elements.
There are tons of toothpaste options available to us at our local grocery stores. From various flavors to different benefits, choosing the right one can be confusing. If you’re living with sensitive teeth, look for a toothpaste that was designed to help ease sensitivity and try to avoid those containing sodium pyrophosphate.
A diet that contains a lot of foods or drinks that are highly acidic greatly increases the risk of enamel erosion and, in turn, tooth sensitivity. The acid in foods such as citrus fruits and beverages like soda or juice can essentially eat away at enamel and expose the roots and nerves.
Even though there are several things you can try at home to reduce tooth sensitivity, there are times when your dentist should get involved. If you’re not seeing relief with any at-home remedies, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the best solution for you. Some common treatments for tooth sensitivity include fluoride, bonding, or a root canal and dental crown.
If you’re still experiencing sensitivity-related pain, we welcome you to call our Holland dental office. We’re here to help.
