A Change to Dental Routine Can Provide Relief From Sensitive Teeth

People often take their dental situation for granted. When teeth are in good shape, it’s hard to imagine that they are going to cause pain. However, many people deal with painful teeth almost every day. Sensitive teeth don’t have a chronic pain to them. However there are many things which can cause the sudden flash of pain these sensitive teeth bring on. People can go from feeling perfectly fine to sharp daggers of pain. Others feel dull throbbing pains.

Regardless of the reason a person has sensitive teeth, it’s paramount to do something about it. Understanding the causes of sensitive teeth can help a person do something about it. Providing relief comes from increasing the health of a person’s teeth and gums, as well as avoiding the food and triggers of tooth pain.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Just as people are different, there are many different reasons that teeth can become incredible sensitive. Typically, healthy teeth have a strong layer of enamel. When this enamel gets worn down, then the tooth finds itself more sensitive to the possibility of pain through the nerve in the tooth. Some of the ways that sensitive teeth can be caused include:

• Gum Disease - This can come from the gums receding, or from gingivitis. The root becomes exposed and sensitive.
• Over brushing - Some people use hard toothbrushes and scrub like it’s a bathroom floor. It’s important to hold a proper level of pressure.
• Teeth Grinding - People who grind their teeth as they sleep can damage enamel.
• Food - People who eat a lot of acidic food or drinks can find that their enamel wears away quickly.
• Mouthwash - People who use the wrong type of mouthwash can damage the enamel. Some mouthwash contain acids.
• Dental Visits - Many people can find their teeth very sensitive after they have had a root canal, dental cleaning or other dental procedures. Typically this type of sensitivity will go away reasonably quickly.

Changes to Dental Hygiene Routine to Help Sensitive Teeth

There are plenty of ways in which a person can help their teeth. The first thing to do is to alter a person’s individual lifestyle and tooth routine. The first step is changing toothpaste. There are many brands which are designed to help sensitive teeth. Typically a dentist can help choose out the right type. Many people can spread a bit of sensitive toothpaste on the roots of their teeth before they go to sleep. This can help provide a buffer from overnight issues.

In addition to changing toothpaste, the brush should be examined. Soft bristles are an absolute must when choosing a toothbrush. Combine this change in brush with a fluoride based mouthwash. It will assist enamel health. People who are teeth grinders should consider looking into mouth aids. A mouth guard can help stop the teeth grinding, and often helps people if they snore as well.

Food and Drink to Avoid

A change in diet is the other main method of preventing dental pain for sensitive teeth. There’s two types of culprits that can play a factor on the mouth. The first is quick changes in temperature. The second is acidic items. Some of the options that should be avoided include:

• Hot Soup - Hot soups and stews can occasionally cause some severe tooth pain.
• Coffee - Coffee is the drink of choice to many in the morning. However, the mix of acid within it, and the heat from the drink makes it one of the worst for people with sensitive teeth.
• Ice Cream - This essentially works as the counterpoint to hot soups or coffee. The cold causes the same issues with the teeth.
• Ice - Drinks which contain a large amount of ice get down to temperatures that can cause a stab of pain in the tooth.
• Oranges/Lemons/Limes - These and other citrus fruits feature a very high level of acid. Eating them in both raw or juice form can cause tooth pain.
• Sodas - These drinks are very high in acid and sugar (assuming it’s non diet). Add in some ice and it’s a dangerous trigger for painful nerve pain.