What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you are the type of person to refuse hot or cold beverages for fear of painful teeth, then it is time to do something about it. Tooth sensitivity can be incredibly debilitating. It is a condition that has been known to come and go, and in the United States, it is estimated that around 1 in 8 people suffers from sensitive teeth. There are many reasons behind tooth sensitivity, and it is a good idea to get to grips with the reasons so that you can figure out how to tackle the issue. Here is a short guide about tooth sensitivity and a few solutions to help you tackle the pain.
Why Do I Have Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth occur when receding gum tissue exposes the dentin on your teeth, the underlying layer beneath the enamel. Tooth roots consist of thousands of minuscule tubules that lead to the pulp, the tooth’s nerve center. Exposed tooth roots, which aren’t covered by hard enamel, are more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet food items. The pain that arises from sensitive areas around your teeth is down to the stimuli reaching the nerve in your teeth.
The Importance of Going for a Regular Check-Up
So you might be asking, what can you do about sensitive teeth? Good oral health is key to reducing tooth sensitivity, and the best preventative method is to practice good oral hygiene and to schedule regular dental check-ups with at a reputable dental clinic. If you are looking for an Asheville dentist, Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry have got you covered. With a team of dental professionals who can carry out a range of dental care services, you can say goodbye to bad oral health. They give sound advice about overall good oral hygiene and can help you address sensitivity issues in your teeth.
Fewer Trips in the Future
For good oral health, make sure you attend a dental check-up every six months. By scheduling regular appointments to get your teeth checked, you can avoid taking an excessive amount of trips to the dentist. Dental professionals can spot alterations in oral health and detect issues that need addressing before they get worse. In addition, dental problems that are caught early are much easier to treat. Once symptoms are felt, chances are serious problems have already begun, and you will need to take more trips to the dental chair to rectify the issues.
Check For Disease
Receding or diseased gums are often a primary cause of sensitive teeth, and dental professionals have the ability to figure out the root of your problem. Unfortunately, the issue could be something as severe as gum disease. When gum tissue moves away from the surface of the tooth and breaks down, it exposes the parts of the teeth that aren’t protected by enamel. The nerves are then unprotected to third-party stimuli, and discomfort can be felt. At a regular dental examination, a dentist will help keep your gums healthy and keep gum disease at bay.
Use Toothpaste Designed for Sensitive Teeth
Besides scheduling a regular check-up at your dentists, you can also try using toothpaste that has been designed to combat sensitive teeth. Specially-formulated toothpaste can relieve painful symptoms. Sensitive toothpaste works well to relieve pain as many are created using an ingredient that fills in the gaps in the enamel and dentin temporarily. Therefore, there is less exposure to sensitive nerves.
Don’t Be Heavy-Handed When You Brush
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing, your brushing technique should also be considered. People who brush their teeth too hard could actually wear down the enamel on their teeth while brushing too often, and too hard can cause gums to recede. When you brush your teeth, try to brush at a 45-degree angle and use a soft-bristled brush.
Be Aware of Bruxism
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth. Some people do it unconsciously while they’re awake, while many others do it during their sleep. Either way, this condition can damage teeth. Besides wearing down the enamel, it can also fracture and chip teeth, cause face, jaw, and neck soreness, and give you a headache. People with sleep bruxism can tackle the condition by wearing a mouthguard while they sleep. Those with a severe case of bruxism should consult their healthcare provider or their dentist.
Reduce Consumption of Certain Foods and Beverages
In addition to extremely hot or cold liquids, certain food and beverages can increase tooth sensitivity. If you feel pain from eating, you can protect your teeth by reducing the number of acidic food items you consume. Food and drinks, like fruit, pickles, sodas, and coffee, can make sensitive teeth feel worse. If you can’t avoid acidic food and drinks, try to avoid brushing your teeth until at least 30 minutes after consumption. Acidic food can soften the enamel on your teeth, and brushing straight after consumption can further damage your teeth. In addition, candy with a sticky substance and carbohydrates that are high in sugar can also attack the enamel and cause sensitivity in teeth. Tooth-friendly alternatives include fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber, plain yogurt, milk, and cheese. These food items help create saliva. By creating moisture in the mouth, you can fight off bacteria and acid. In addition to this, you can also swap sugary drinks for black tea or green tea and chew on sugar-free gum.
Tackle Sensitivity with a Salt Water Mouthwash
If your tooth sensitivity becomes unbearable and you can’t get a dental appointment in time, you can combine salt and water to make a mouthwash to combat painful teeth. A saltwater mouthwash can help create an alkaline environment by balancing the pH levels in your oral cavity. In turn, this helps reduce bacteria in your mouth. To create a homemade saltwater mouthwash, simply mix a cup of warm water with two teaspoons of salt. You can swish this mouthwash in the morning and in the evening until your teeth feel better.