How does our site make you feel?
Great   Indifferent

5 Ways to Beat Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity

Several factors could trigger tooth sensitivity discomfort, including receding gum, tooth decay, or genetics. Below are five tips that can help to reduce tooth sensitivity.

  1. Use toothpaste that is targeted to help reduce tooth sensitivity

There are plenty of brands, such as Colgate, Crest, Arm & Hammer, and Sensodyne, that offer toothpastes geared to aid reduction in tooth sensitivity. Look for the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps combat tooth sensitivity and lessen discomfort. Combine your toothpaste with a mouth rinse with stannous fluoride to desensitize your teeth even further.

      2. Alter the way that you brush your teeth

The way you brush and the type of toothbrush you use can increase your teeth sensitivity, so it’s critical you take a look at your brushing habits. Be sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush while gently brushing your teeth. Aggressive brushing with hard bristles will contribute to receding gums, exposing your sensitive teeth and wearing away enamel, increasing your teeth sensitivity. Or, you can opt for an electric toothbrush with soft bristles” just leave the brush on your teeth and let the brush do the work for you!

      3. Avoid acidic foods and drinks

Acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee and citrus fruits, can dissolve your enamel resulting in tooth sensitivity. Try to avoid acidic foods altogether, or try to limit your exposure to these foods and drink acidic beverages through a straw to limit their contact on your teeth. Also, drink a glass of milk after consuming these foods to help neutralize the acid.

        4. Wear a mouthguard at night when you sleep

Do you grind your teeth at night? This type of trauma can wear away your tooth enamel, making your teeth feel sensitive and sore. At our dental practice, we make customized mouth guards, which are molded to your teeth, cushioning and protecting your teeth from the nightly grind.

Not sure if you grind your teeth at night? Symptoms such as constant, severe headaches and unexplained jaw pain are good clues to look out for. Contact your dentist to determine if a mouthguard is the best option to get rid of your tooth sensitivity.

        5. See your dentist for regular check ups

Be sure to visit every six months to ensure your dental experts can develop a customized treatment plan to get rid of your teeth sensitivity.

Keeping your smile healthy well into the future starts with creating healthy at-home habits followed by regular visits to Shine DDS twice a year. To learn more about your treatment options, call Shine DDS to schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Shine.

Author
Evelyn Shine Dentist

You Might Also Enjoy...

Invisalign

The Health Benefits of Invisalign

Most people think, “I don’t need invisalign, my teeth aren’t too crooked.” But did you know that in addition to improving tooth alignment, invisalign treatment helps to improve dental form and function?

What is a deep cleaning?

It is recommended to see your dentist twice a year for a check up and dental cleaning. Sometimes however, a basic cleaning is not sufficient to remove tartar and calculus that is residing under your gums.
Bad breath

Help! My breath stinks!!

Bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, can affect your quality of life. it can also signal an underlying condition known as periodontal disease, which needs to  be checked and treated. There are many things you can do at home to prevent bad breath. 
Charcoal toothpaste

Does Activated Charcoal Toothpaste really work?

Charcoal has been popular in products like toothpaste because it may have some antibacterial, antifungal, breath-freshening, and whitening properties. But how does charcoal work to keep your teeth and mouth clean? Can it really whiten your teeth?
Types of fillings

What are the different types of dental fillings?

When you think of a dental filling, what do you think of? If you’re like most people, you probably think of a white composite filling. But did you know that there are actually several different types of dental fillings?
Gum disease vs healthy gums

I have sore gums, now what?

Do you ever have red bleeding gums? Do your gums ever feel sore or uncomfortable to the point where you don't know what to do? Inflamed gums could be the result of a number of things or underlying conditions.