How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

Have you ever experienced discomfort or pain while drinking hot tea or ice cream? If so, you are not alone. While discomfort from eating hot or cold foods can indicate a cavity, it is also common in people with sensitive teeth. Here are some suggestions for managing sensitive teeth to avoid pain while eating or drinking.

Avoid Hot & Cold Drinks

You can manage dental sensitivity by reducing your intake of hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, and iced drinks, as extreme temperatures can exacerbate sensitivity.

Use a Soft Toothbrush

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are less abrasive on tooth enamel, safeguarding your dentin layer and nerve tissue. These brushes also help prevent over-scrubbing, which can result in tears or holes developing close to your gums and teeth.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Unlike regular toothpaste, desensitizing formulas contain additives like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride to reduce sensitivity, protect nerves from painful stimulation, and minimize discomfort.

Use a Mouthguard at Night

Bruxism, a disorder that involves excessive teeth grinding, can seriously harm your mouth and jaw. Grinding weakens enamel and makes teeth more sensitive. If you think your sensitive teeth may be caused by bruxism, ask your Davie dentist, Plantation dentist, or Tamarac dentist about using a mouthguard.

Avoid Acidic Foods & Drinks

Many processed and natural food items contain acidic ingredients that erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Avoiding acidic foods and beverages or having them in moderation can help prevent or treat sensitive teeth.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment

While tooth sensitivity can be harmless, it can also indicate a more serious issue like tooth erosion, gum recession, or infection. If this is the case, leaving it untreated can cause severe oral health problems in the future. If you are experiencing sensitivity or pain while eating/drinking, schedule an appointment with our Davie dentist, Plantation dentist, or Tamarac dentist to get checked out.

September 9, 2022