What Are The Steps To Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?
Having sensitive teeth is one of the main dental concerns of those in their late twenties to early thirties. This occurs because the teeth are at their peak function at this age. Nevertheless, sensitive teeth may occur regardless of age - either insidiously or intermittently.
To avoid the sudden onset of pain if you have sensitive teeth, consider doing the following steps:
1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
The most common symptom of sensitive teeth is sudden pain felt when a trigger substance is ingested. This occurs because the dentin of the tooth is exposed, causing irritation in the nerve center. To prevent the gum tissue protecting your dentin from getting stripped off, you need to consider using soft-bristled toothbrushes.
2. Use a mouth guard when sleeping.
The mechanical tearing away of dentin does not only occur when brushing your teeth. It may also happen while you are asleep, and involuntarily grinding your teeth. Under the recommendation of your dentist, use a mouth guard if you are prone to teeth grinding, when you are asleep.
3. Avoid food and drinks with extreme temperatures when eaten, and those with high acidic content.
Due to lack of healthy gum and dentin layers, the nerve endings in the teeth can be easily irritated when you take in foods that are too hot, cold, sour, or sweet. To prevent sudden teeth pain episodes, it is best to avoid highly acidic foods, or wait for your foods or drinks to cool down to room temperature.
4. Minimize use of teeth whitening products.
Some teeth whitening products are loaded with a high concentration of ingredients that can also promote the stripping away of the dentin. If you are using teeth whiteners, limit their use to once every other week or less.
5. Visit your dentist for a dental exam.
To lessen teeth sensitivity, a dentist will need to assess the state of your teeth and gums. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity symptoms occur if there is tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Too often, these conditions can only be diagnosed and treated by a licensed dentist.
6. Floss and brush teeth using toothpaste for sensitive teeth at least 3 times each day.
Toothpastes specifically formulated to address tooth sensitivity are now available. Also, make sure to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly.
9. Use fluoride-enriched mouth rinses.
Aside from toothpastes for sensitive teeth, you can also use fluoride-enriched mouthwashes. These rinses are safe for home use, and repeated usage will reduce sensitive tooth symptoms.
10. Talk to your dentist about getting dentin sealers or teeth bonding.
If you are still experiencing tooth pain despite religiously following the steps to reduce tooth sensitivity, perhaps it is time to ask your dentist about other dental procedures you may undergo to treat the condition once and for all. He can recommend white fillings to cover the teeth surface, or he can apply dentin sealers that act as varnishes to protect the roots of the teeth.
Even if the tooth pain associated with having sensitive teeth does not regularly occur, it can still affect your daily activities. Minimizing tooth sensitivity will require a lot of your patience. You need to modify your eating habits, and oral hygiene routine to prevent the sudden onset of pain. Eventually, your teeth will be desensitized, and you will not have to worry about any tooth pain at all.