Do you often experience sharp teeth and gum sensations when performing normal activities such as drinking, eating, and brushing? This means one thing: you have sensitive teeth. You’ve probably always wondered what you can do to treat your sensitive teeth to finally enjoy everything you eat and drink without suffering from pain.
Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce teeth sensitivity. Here are some:
Use a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth regularly can help prevent and alleviate tooth sensitivity. These products usually have unique ingredients that temporarily fill the tiny holes on the tooth’s enamel and dentin. As a result, food and drinks can’t get to the tooth’s sensitive nerves.
Use a soft toothbrush.
Look at your toothbrush and touch its bristles. If they’re too stiff, then they’re too harsh for your teeth. If you keep on using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you’ll make your sensitivity worse. Stiff bristles, especially when combined with abrasive toothpaste, can create microscopic holes on the enamel. As a result, these holes lead to further sensitivity. Stiff-bristled toothbrushes can also worsen gum recession, which leaves your dentin and nerves exposed.
The soft-bristled brush helps maintain gum health and preserve the surface of the teeth.
Use a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding at night.
Bruxism, which refers to the act of grinding one’s teeth at night during sleep, can lead to daytime teeth sensitivity. If you’re known to have a bruxism problem, tell your dentist about it. Your dentist can make a custom mouthguard that you can wear while sleeping. The mouthguard will protect the teeth from the pressure caused by teeth grinding, preventing damage that leads to sensitivity.
Have your gums checked.
Unhealthy, receding, and diseased gums is one of the primary causes of tooth sensitivity. When the gum tissues break down and move away from the tooth’s surface, the part of the tooth that does not naturally have enamel becomes exposed. As a result, the nerves become unprotected as well. Your dentist can determine if your gums’ unsatisfactory condition causes your tooth sensitivity, and will recommend solutions to restore gum health.
Gurgle with saltwater mouthwash.
Saltwater mouthwash can help reduce tooth sensitivity rather quickly. This is because the saltwater can balance the pH level inside your mouth. It creates an alkaline environment, reducing bacterial growth. Saltwater mouthwash also helps reduce plaque buildup. Mix two teaspoons of salt with a cup of warm water. Gurgle your mouth in the morning and at night.
Try swishing with liquified coconut oil.
Oil pulling, which is the act of swishing coconut oil around your mouth, has been used in different cultures as an effective oral health aid. Coconut oil is known to prevent bacterial growth. It also breaks down plaque and removes toxins and germs from the gum’s surface. Coconut oil can also whiten your teeth over time! Take a tablespoon of liquified coconut oil, then swish it around your mouth for 20 seconds before spitting it out.
Ask your dentist about dental varnishes and coatings.
Fluoride varnishes are known to help reduce tooth sensitivity. There are also other types of coatings that can be applied to protect and strengthen the dentin and enamel. Ask your dentist about these options if they haven’t recommended it yet.
Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.