If you wince when you eat or drink hot and cold foods and liquids this is normally a sign of sensitivity in your teeth. For some adults, this phenomenon is a fleeting annoyance which goes away after a few days, and for others it is a chronic condition which plagues them for years.
No matter which side of the spectrum you fall on, you will be relieved to know that there are steps you can take to reduce this discomfort. Here are our top tips for handling your sensitive teeth easily.
Change your brushing technique
For some people, tooth sensitivity is due to wearing away the enamel on their teeth by brushing too forcefully. We would always recommend that our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day, but make sure your technique is right otherwise you could cause more harm to your teeth and gums.
Brush gently in a circular motion, with your toothbrush tilted at a 45o angle so that you don’t damage your teeth and gums.
Cavities and decay
Your tooth sensitivity could be caused by cavities in your teeth which you can’t see. Over time, if these cavities worsen you may have increasing amounts of pain. In order to treat cavities and to reduce the risk of the nerves being exposed, you should schedule twice annual check ups with your dentist so they can monitor your overall mouth health and spot problems early on before they escalate.
For treating cavities, normally a filling is required and there are various types of fillings available. Why not book an appointment with us today for a check up?
Gum recession
If your gums are receding this could be exposing the root surface which is causing your tooth sensitivity. Again, a good brushing technique and thorough oral hygiene will help you manage this problem, and it’s better to take action now instead of letting the problem worsen as gum tissue here will not grow back.
Use a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth
There are lots of toothpastes and mouthwashes readily available on the market now to treat sensitive teeth – pick one that contains ingredients which will help to protect the surface of your teeth and decrease the sensations sent to the nerve.
Some toothpastes can work on sensitive teeth after just one or two uses, so this is a very fast acting solution if you are looking for a quick fix to an infrequent problem.
Be aware of your triggers
If you know that certain hot, cold, sugary or acidic foods and drinks make your sensitive teeth worse, then work around them with alternatives. Drink room temperature water instead of with ice, and drink through a straw to limit the amount of liquid which comes into contact with your teeth.
Opt for teeth whitening with care
It’s quite common for patients to suffer with some sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments, however this discomfort is usually temporary and goes away within a day or two.
If your teeth are sensitive all the time, this type of treatment may not be suitable for you – talk to your dentist about other ways to keep your smile white, or check out this blog post on easy ways to get a whiter smile.
