How To Manage Sensitive Teeth

When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.

If you're bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist in Balwyn. They can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain.

Dentist Mont Albert

Common causes of sensitive teeth resulting from dentin exposure

• Gum recession due to gum disease

• Overaggressive brushing or brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush

• Too many acidic foods and beverages

• Teeth grinding

• Tooth decay or physical injury to the tooth

• Recent dental procedure

Always see your dental professional for tooth pain that is severe or consistent and lasts for more than a day or two, but if you have the sharp, shooting pains commonly felt with tooth sensitivity, use products that are designed to block the tubules and relieve the pain including toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums.

Dentist Surrey Hills

What can I do to manage sensitive teeth?

There are a number of options for treatment of sensitive teeth:

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent gum disease - Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can make your gums pull back. Sometimes, disease can set in. It can destroy the bony support of your tooth. Don’t smoke. It can lead to gum disease. To treat it, your dentist may do a deep clean of your teeth, called planing or scaling, that scrapes tartar and plaque below the gum line. You could also need medication or surgery to fix the problem.

• Be sure to clean all parts of your mouth, including between teeth and along the gumline

Dentist Hawthorn

• Use Only Soft Toothbrushes - One easy tip to utilize for sensitive teeth relief is changing out your toothbrush. If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you could be making your condition worse.  Stiff bristles and abrasive toothpastes are hard on enamel, leading to more microscopic holes and eventually more sensitivity. They can also worsen gum recession, leading to exposed dentin and sensitive nerves.  Try a soft bristled tootbrush and make sure you brush gently to preserve the surface of your teeth and to maintain gum integrity.

• Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Soda, sticky candy, high-sugar carbs -- all of these treats attack enamel. Instead, snack on:
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Cheese
• Milk
• Plain yogurt

Dentist Kew  

These will moisten your mouth and help fight acid and bacteria that can eat away at your teeth. Saliva is one way your mouth deals with them. You can also drink green or black tea or chew sugarless gum. If you do eat something acidic, don’t rush to brush. Wait an hour or so to strengthen before you scrub.

•  Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth - Using toothpaste that is specifically designed for treating tooth sensitivity can be helpful for symptom relief. Most of these toothpastes contain an ingredient that temporarily fills tiny holes in your enamel and dentin. This reduces the amount of exposure your teeth’s sensitive nerves will receive.

Dentist Camberwell

While there are many effective over-the-counter methods of treatment for sensitive teeth, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dental professional if you experience ongoing sensitivity as it could be a sign of more serious problems.

If your teeth are sensitive, don’t presume that it is just ‘one of those things’. Make sure to have it checked by one of our experienced dentists who will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

Please feel free to contact us at our Balwyn dental practice on (03) 9817 7144, we look forward to seeing you!