Four Tips For Dealing With Sensitive Teeth
By Dr Anthony HuaTooth sensitivity is a common issue that can disrupt the simple pleasures of enjoying your favourite foods and drinks. Whether it’s the sharp sting from a sip of hot coffee or the sudden jolt from an icy treat, the discomfort can be surprising. This condition may lead to a cycle of avoidance and worry about what might trigger the next wave of pain.
However, dealing with this issue doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. Understanding what causes sensitive teeth and implementing a few practical tips may help you get back to enjoying your meals and beverages without hesitation. In this blog, we’ll explore tips that might help you cope with sensitive teeth.
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can lead to various oral health issues, including tooth sensitivity. Plaque and calculus buildup on the teeth can wear down the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentine layer underneath. Here are some important steps you can follow:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, potentially reducing the risk of sensitivity.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line – areas your toothbrush cannot normally reach.
2. Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Using toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can help manage tooth sensitivity. It contains ingredients that can disrupt and shield the pathways transmitting pain from the tooth surface to the nerve. Your dentist can recommend a suitable toothpaste for your specific needs.
It’s advisable to use the toothpaste regularly. It may take a few weeks of consistent use before you notice a reduction in sensitivity. Switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can be a simple way to manage discomfort and protect your teeth from further sensitivity.
3. Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages
Diet can play an important role in oral health and consuming acidic foods and beverages may exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Acidic substances can erode tooth enamel, potentially making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity.
Foods to Avoid:
- Citrus fruits
- Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- Vinegar-based dressings and pickles
Tips to Reduce the Acidic Impact:
- After consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralise the acids.
- When drinking acidic beverages, use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
4. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush or Toothbrush Head
The type of toothbrush or toothbrush head you use can also impact tooth sensitivity. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be too abrasive, wearing down enamel and exposing the sensitive dentine beneath. It’s recommended to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Moreover, brush your teeth thoroughly but gently, using circular motions. Avoid brushing too hard or using a back-and-forth scrubbing motion, as this can damage enamel and increase sensitivity.
Need Professional Help for Sensitive Teeth?
If you are looking for guidance on how to treat sensitive teeth, it’s important to visit a high-quality dental clinic. Regular dental check-ups can help maintain oral health and manage tooth sensitivity. At Burleigh Dental Studio, our professional services are designed to address various oral health issues, including sensitivity. Get in touch with our expert dentists in Burleigh Heads.
Article by Dr Anthony Hua – Principal Dentist
Dr Anthony Hua is the Founder & Principal Dentist at Burleigh Dental Studio. His passion, expertise and dedication to the field of dentistry have been recognised by his achievement of Fellowship status with the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
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