5 Ways to Care for Sensitive Teeth

A lot of people suffer from painful sensations in their teeth while performing normal activities like eating, drinking, and brushing. But how can you help treat your sensitive teeth so there is no discomfort? Sensitive teeth are caused due to a number of problems. There are some Orthodontic ways to reduce tooth sensitivity. But you can start the treatment itself at home and some of these solutions can be utilized easily. Tooth enamel is the outermost coating of the teeth and it blocks some of the heat and cold sensations from reaching sensitive nerves. Due to our bad oral practices, the enamel gets worn off or damaged, and the underlying dentin layer is exposed. Dentin layers consist of tiny canals known as tubules. If a hot or cold substance is ingested When these tubules are exposed then the dental nerves that lie within the center and pulp of the teeth are stimulated thus causing discomfort. Well if you also suffer from sensitive teeth issues, there are some steps that can be taken to make living with the condition a bit easier. Center for dentistry by Orthodontist Kaneohe has verified some valuable points on how we should take care of our sensitive teeth.

1. Make Use of Fluoridated Toothpaste:

With the help of modern dentistry techniques,  toothpaste is now designed for sensitive teeth containing special components such as potassium nitrate, which is helpful in desensitizing the tooth by blocking the tubules that transmit the stimulus to the dental nerves. Although it is recommended to only use toothpaste when your teeth feel uncomfortable, it is also important to use the product regularly. The effectiveness of the toothpaste builds over time and when used daily can impose long-lasting effects. It is also important to make sure that the sensitive toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is an important mineral and it helps remineralize tooth enamel by attracting displaced minerals such as phosphorus and calcium back to the surface of the teeth. Upon reaching there, the fluoride combines with all the substances to form a new enamel to be able to better resist the damage caused by acids.

2. Brush Gently:

There are many different types of toothbrushes that support oral care nowadays. It is therefore important to select a brush with soft bristles because they are less likely to damage the tooth enamel or worsen your dental sensitivity. In addition to the above point, make sure that you brush your teeth gently. Brushing your teeth forcefully even when you have a special toothbrush with soft bristles can be damaging, especially if you brush for the recommended time. If there is an observation that you might be scrubbing your teeth too harshly and vigorously, then you may benefit from switching to an electronic toothbrush with a pressure sensor. The sensor stops the brush bristles from vibrating or rotating when it senses too much pressure on teeth and gums.

3. Restrict Your Diet: 

Enamel damage is the major cause of tooth sensitivity and it happens when your teeth are exposed to acids. Cavities do occur because of the corrosion of the tooth enamel by bacterial acids. Many of the food items and beverages that people regularly consume have a low or acidic pH value. Popular items too such as fruit juice, sodas, and even wine play a major role in damaging your tooth enamel. To minimize further damage to your teeth, try to restrict your diet by consuming or completely restricting acidic drinks and foods. This also includes seemingly healthy items such as citrus fruits and pickles. Also as recommended by best Orthodontists,  make sure to delay brushing for at least 20 minutes if you choose to eat or drink acidic substances. If you brush earlier, you will develop a higher chance of enamel damage because the tooth enamel is in a softened state due to exposure to the acids.

4. Use of Mouthguard:

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth nightly and in these types of dental issues, wearing a mouthguard can help lessen the wear and tear of your tooth enamel. It is observed that people who suffer from bruxism do not even realize that they are grinding their teeth, therefore it is important to wear the guard every night. There are many guards available for purchase to counter the situation and or an even better fit, your dentist can provide you with a customized guard to help better relieve it.

5. Regular Brushing and Flossing:

Brushing and flossing should be practiced daily and at least two times a day. Doing it every day can help ensure that your tooth enamel and gums remain in good condition. Your gums may go unhealthy if they are regularly exposed to plaque and bacterial acids. This recession tends to increase your dental sensitivity because portions of your tooth root that are normally covered by your gums are now suddenly getting exposed.

Bottom Line:

Regular dental appointments are just as important as other health appointments, and if at some point in time you begin to experience consistent toothaches after eating cold foods or beverages, then seeking an orthodontist is a must. To move further into the treatment, finding the source of your sensitivity is important. To get rid of the pain in the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try until your next orthodontics emergency Kaneohe appointment which are mentioned above. If the pain is caused by your jaw, your dentist may recommend tmj treatment.


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