Tips for Caring for Sensitive Teeth

How to Care for Your Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you are not alone. It is quite common, particularly among people aged 25 to 30. Knowing the causes of tooth sensitivity can help you find ways to alleviate it through eliminating those factors.

The usual culprits are gum line recession and the erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Fortunately, these issues are easily remedied.

Both tooth enamel and the gum lines protect the sensitive layer, called dentin, which lies just beneath the enamel of your teeth. The tiny tubules in dentin interact with the nerves that lie at the root of your teeth. When exposed dentin meets hot or cold substances, the nerves are stimulated, causing a sensation of pain.

It is therefore imperative to keep both your tooth enamel and your gum lines in tiptop condition. Even if they are less than tiptop now, though, they can usually be repaired with a little extra care. Here are some of the ways to help you have healthier gums and enamel:

Change Your Toothpaste

There are certain toothpaste formulas that contain compounds that fill up the tubules in the dentin layer of your teeth. This blocks hot or cold substances' access to the nerves in your teeth. If you change to one of these types of toothpaste, you can usually experience relief within two weeks. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles helps to speed the process, since there are no harsh bristles to scrape away the protective enamel.

Use a Rinse Containing Fluoride

Fluoride is a chemical that in tiny doses helps your teeth repair their enamel layer. Although most commercial toothpaste contains fluoride, adding a fluoride rinse to your oral hygiene routine can help speed the repair process. If, after changing toothpaste and using a fluoride rinse, you still have sensitive teeth, consult your dentist. There are prescription medications that can give your teeth an added boost.

Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acid dissolves the protective enamel on your teeth. When sugary and starchy foods break down, the process creates acids as well. Try to avoid such foods whenever possible. If you can't avoid them, try to brush your teeth as soon as you can after you eat or drink. Instead, drink plenty of water to dilute the acids that cause erosion. Extra points if you drink tap water. Most tap water, particularly in urban areas, contains fluoride. Sugarless gum, too, helps your mouth produce more saliva, which also helps to dilute harmful acids. Saliva also helps to replenish your mouth's supply of protective minerals.

If you have sensitive teeth, it is even more important for you to see your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can detect minute problems that, if untreated, would lead to more serious issues later. A dentist can also treat your teeth with an ointment that keeps your teeth's roots protected and therefore less sensitive.

Regular cleanings can also help your teeth regain their health. Your dentist can treat sensitive teeth much better with regular checkups and cleaning. If you want to know more about how to keep your teeth healthy and decrease sensitivity, make an appointment today to see your dentist.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Caven and his experienced team help you find your best smile. Offering advanced technology in Jacksonville, Florida for a variety of cosmetic dental services, Dr. Caven offers a versatile range of solutions for healthy smiles.

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