Sensitive teeth can be extremely frustrating and painful. While some people have mild tooth sensitivity, others have severe discomfort when eating anything too hot, cold, spicy, or even sweet.
Tooth sensitivity is typically caused by damage to your tooth enamel—meaning your enamel has been worn away to expose dentin, which is the softer layer underneath. However, sensitive teeth could be caused by another type of injury to the tooth that could require more immediate attention from your dentist.
How can you reduce tooth sensitivity to still enjoy all the foods you love? Here are some top tips for keeping your sensitivity at bay!
Invest in a Softer Toothbrush
One of the ways tooth enamel can become damaged is through harsh brushing. If you own a stiff-bristled toothbrush and are putting too much pressure on your teeth when brushing, you could be damaging your tooth enamel and not be aware of it.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth with a toothbrush that has soft bristles [1]. You can still thoroughly brush your teeth, but there’s no need to be forceful—plaque can be removed just as well with a softer toothbrush and gentle cleaning action!
Consider a Desensitizing Toothpaste
If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist will likely recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste for your daily brushing routine to help improve your discomfort. Desensitizing toothpastes typically contain potassium nitrate, which can be a helpful compound for reducing teeth that are hypersensitive [2]. Your dentist can recommend a specific brand that will be helpful based on your level of sensitivity!
Ask Your Dentist About an In-Office Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist may be able to improve your tooth sensitivity with an in-office fluoride treatment.
This gel-like substance is used to help strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity [3]. This procedure is safe and painless, and can also help protect your smile against cavities until your next visit, which can be helpful for people with damaged tooth enamel who are more at risk for cavities.
Manage Your Triggers
From cold foods to sweet treats to spicy meals, people with tooth sensitivity are triggered by many of the foods they enjoy. To help better manage your tooth sensitivity, be conscious about what you consume and how it affects your smile. For example, if you find spicy foods trigger your tooth sensitivity, consider toning down the spiciness of a meal. If cold foods bother you, leave a cold food item out of the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before eating it.
Combined with the above tips, managing your triggers for tooth sensitivity can be immensely helpful!
You Don’t Have to Live With Tooth Sensitivity
There is treatment for tooth sensitivity regardless of how sensitive your teeth are or what damage they have experienced. Whether you suffer from mild or severe discomfort from your sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist today to see what you can do to help improve your discomfort!
Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908806/
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
