If you’re one of the many people with sensitive teeth, you may dread certain foods, drinks and even brushing your teeth. People with sensitive teeth will often experience sharp, short pain while doing everyday activities.
Sensitive teeth can be caused by worn down tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Cavities, chipped teeth and gum disease are other oral health issues that may lead to sensitive teeth. There are some ways to deal with this common problem, though.
How to handle your sensitive teeth
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day as we recommend, but switching to softer bristles can help with the pain. People with sensitive teeth should be sure to brush gently rather than with too abrasive strokes.
- Desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. Special toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive teeth may help ease some of the pain during your daily oral hygiene routine.
- Fluoride treatment. For some people with sensitive teeth, in-office fluoride treatments can make a big difference. Ask us about our options the next time you’re in for a dental cleaning, or schedule an appointment to talk about your options for treating sensitive teeth.
- Maintain good dental hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss daily, and make sure to schedule your regular preventative cleanings. Taking good care of your teeth can help prevent problems with sensitive teeth.
- Watch what you eat and drink. Eating acidic foods regularly can dissolve tooth enamel over time. Also, acidic foods can aggravate already sensitive teeth. Here are some tips on healthy food options and recommendations on healthy drink options.
If you’re feeling pain frequently from sensitive teeth, it can be really frustrating to perform normal activities like eating bread, drinking cold drinks and going through your daily oral health routine. These five tips for people with sensitive teeth may help. But if you’re still struggling and would like to know more options, please reach out to our dental office to see how we may be able to help.