6 TIPS TO GET RELIEF FROM SENSITIVE TEETH Written By: Dr. Ankita Shah, April 2020

Did you ever feel like a sudden sharp shocking pain in teeth while having an ice-cream or a chilled drink? About 1 in 10 people have sensitive teeth. Teeth have an outer protective layer of enamel, an inner layer of dentin where a few nerve endings are present. So whenever there is a breakdown of the enamel and you have something very hot, cold, sweet or sour, there will be some amount of tooth sensitivity that lasts for a few seconds to hours.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY?

Enamel breakdown from using a hard toothbrush

Tooth erosion

High consumption of acidic foods and beverages

Tooth decay

Receded gums

Teeth grinding

Here are 6 ways to give you some relief from tooth sensitivity.

1) SENSITIVE TOOTHPASTE

These toothpastes generally block the dentinal tubules and help reduce sensitivity. Several Sensitive toothpaste brands are available in the market. These toothpastes work for some. Most important is to use them in a right manner. It’s best to use for 3 weeks, use your daily toothpaste for a couple of weeks and then start the sensitive toothpaste again.

2) TOOTH BRUSHING

Brushing rigorously or using a hard bristled toothbrush or a highly abrasive toothpaste can expose the dentin layer of the tooth leading to sensitive teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and you need to be gentle with your teeth too.

3) AVOID ACIDIC FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Carbonated drinks, lemon etc. can lead to tooth erosion exposing the underlying dentin. One should avoid excessive consumption of these foods and beverages. Also do not brush immediately after consumption of these beverages as they cause softening of the enamel and can lead to quicker erosion.

4) FLUORIDE APPLICATIONS

Fluoride can penetrate the tooth and form stronger crystals which a highly resistant to erosion. They generally have to be applied a couple of times in a year varying on the intensity of the sensitivity.

5) USE OF NIGHT GUARDS

Teeth grinding can wear of the enamel and increase sensitivity. Night guards help in reducing the grinding habit and its effects on teeth.

6) TREAT THE RECEDING GUMS

The cementum layer covering the root is exposed when gums recede. A hard brushing can wear off the cementum and expose dentin leading to sensitive teeth. Its best to use fluoride applications or rebuild the gum tissues.

The best solution to teeth sensitivity is to first rule out the exact cause. You can start caring for your pearly whites today by brushing gently with a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash.

“Oral health = Overall health!”

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