Sharp tooth pain, especially eating or drinking something hot or cold, is known as tooth sensitivity. There are many steps you can take to treat sensitivity and prevent it from returning.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layer of enamel on a tooth wears down enough to expose the underlying dentin. This can make your teeth suddenly feel painfully sensitive to hot, cold, and sugary foods and drinks.
A variety of factors can cause enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity, including:
- Tooth decay
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Using abrasive toothpaste
- Gum recession
- Gum disease
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
1: Visit Your Dentist
Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of serious dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay. It’s important to visit your dentist as soon as you start experiencing tooth sensitivity. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to prevent further damage. If the sensitivity is due to enamel erosion, your dentist can give you a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel.
2: Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are available in varying degrees of stiffness. Medium- and hard-bristled toothbrushes are too harsh on tooth enamel and can cause enamel erosion, leading to sensitivity.
It’s best to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on your enamel and dental restorations. It’s also essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. When its bristles become worn out and frayed, even a soft toothbrush can cause damage.
3: Wear a Night Guard
If your tooth sensitivity is caused by grinding or clenching your teeth at night, wearing a night guard can help. A night guard protects your teeth from the pressure and friction of grinding. Speak with your dentist about getting a custom-fitted night guard so you can prevent enamel damage and sleep more comfortably.
4: Use Toothpaste Formulated for Sensitive Teeth
Some types of toothpaste are specially formulated for reducing tooth sensitivity. These toothpastes work by temporarily filling any tiny holes in your enamel to minimize your discomfort. Tooth sensitivity toothpaste isn’t a long-term solution, however. It’s still important to see your dentist if you have sensitive teeth.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity and other dental issues is to practice good oral hygiene. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to eliminate the plaque and bacteria that cause sensitivity, tooth decay, and gum disease. Make sure to brush your teeth gently, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for best results.
You can also prevent tooth sensitivity by limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Citrus fruits, sodas, wine, and coffee are all very acidic, so they do more damage to your teeth than other foods. Sugar is also a major culprit, because plaque converts sugar into acids.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. The Country Club Dental team will get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain, and provide the best treatment for stopping the sensitivity. Give us a call at 928-526-4314 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/6/2023). Photo by Katya Wolf on Pexels
