Do you ever experience a jolt of sharp pain in your mouth after eating? If this happens often,
you might have sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity to cold and heat starts and stops suddenly and is usually triggered by extreme temperatures in food, beverages, or the air. This sensation can last just a moment but may become more recurrent over time. Over 40 million adults regularly suffer from tooth sensitivity.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Anyone at any age can have sensitive teeth. Research shows that the problem mostly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Increased sensitivity in adults is often attributed to the fact that adults are more likely to have gum recession, a leading cause of sensitive teeth. The likelihood of tooth sensitivity increases among adults as enamel becomes worn.
There are several common causes of oral sensitivity, including:
Worn or damaged tooth enamel
Holes, cracks or microfractures in your teeth
Changing weather puts pressure on your sinuses, leading to pain at your gum line.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, you have options to help manage your pain. Here are 5 tips to try in order to determine which combination works best for you.
Options For Managing Sensitive Teeth
Try Desensitizing Toothpaste.
One of the simplest options is to try a desensitizing toothpaste. Unlike regular toothpaste, desensitizing formulas contain additives like potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride to reduce sensitivity and protect nerves from painful stimulation.
Use desensitizing toothpaste in the same way that you would a regular toothpaste formula and brush twice a day as usual. You may not notice a difference until you have used several applications. If switching your toothpaste does not help alleviate your pain after a few weeks of use, you may need to speak with your dentist.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush.
When choosing a toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums. Avoid hard bristles that can irritate your gums. A toothbrush with a small head will also allow you to brush hard-to-reach places and spend more time in each quadrant of your mouth.
Look for a toothbrush that is specially made for massaging the gums. Soft bristle toothbrushes are designed to minimize irritation and are gentle for brushing and removing plaque on the gumline. Massaging the gums as you brush will help to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Use a mouth rinse.
Another tip for managing tooth sensitivity is to use a mouth rinse once or twice a day. When it comes to mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free mouth rinse, as it will be less irritating to sensitive teeth.
Other benefits of using a mouth rinse are:
Fresh breath
Reduce inflammation
Act as an antiseptic to prevent oral infection
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks.
One way to prevent or help treat sensitive teeth is to avoid or practice moderation when enjoying foods and drinks that contain acidic ingredients. These ingredients wear down the tooth's enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. Rinse your mouth with water after finishing your beverage or meal to help remove the acid from your teeth.
Here is a list of products that contain acidic ingredients:
Coffee
Citrus fruits
Carbonated beverages
Tomatoes
Fruit Juice
Talk to Your Dentist.
It is important that you share your concerns and oral pain with your dentist. Dr. Cutts at The Center for Adult Dentistry can help assess your level of sensitivity and help recommend other options for treatment.
Dr. Cutts can assess your gums for swelling or infection that may be causing your tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is one symptom of periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can cause chronic mouth pain, difficulty chewing and tooth loss.
The dentist may also recommend dental varnishes or coatings. These products protect tooth enamel, alleviate sensitivity symptoms and prevent future problems.
Persistent tooth sensitivity is not impossible to manage. The best things you can do for your oral health are to establish a thorough hygiene routine and schedule regular checkups with your dentist. Schedule an appointment at our Temecula or La Quinta, CA, dental office today. Dr. Dave Cutts, dentist in Temecula with over 40+ years of experience, specializes in dental care for mature adults 50+ and offers his experience and expertise to help patients just like you manage your tooth pain and prevent future problems.