If you’re asked to count how many times in your lifetime that you’ve had to deal with a sensitive tooth, I bet you’d be pulling your shoes to also count with you ten toes. Sensitive teeth are very common, and unbearable. Believe me when I say the pain is usually hard to get used to. You’ll always get a sudden reaction once those sensations hit your nerves.
This can happen for different reasons like worn out enamel, cavities, and taking too many acidic foods and drinks. It doesn’t just happen to adults though, children and teenagers have their fair share of torture. These categories of people always munch on a lot of sugary foods and drinks, so theirs is usually a regular thing. It could also be that the child is growing a new tooth, hence the sensitive gums. In this article, we’re going to look at how to treat and prevent sensitive teeth.
Treatment For Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be a real drag, but the good news is that there are a couple of ways to tackle it.
Home Remedies
These are very easy to follow steps that you can try at home in order to manage this sensation that you get.
Desensitizing Toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste is a solid starting point if you are ever dealing with sensitive teeth. This toothpaste contains special compounds that block the pathway to your nerves, which reduces the amount of pain and sudden jolts that you get.
Over-the-counter Mouthwash: There are specific mouthwashes that are made for sensitive teeth, so using them will provide some sort of relief. They usually contain fluoride or other ingredients that protect the teeth’s thin layer and also strengthen the teeth.
No Acidic Foods or Drinks: Try to avoid acidic foods and drinks. This could be things like sodas, citrus fruits, and wine. These acidic foods or drinks can erode your enamel, making your teeth more exposed and sensitive.
Avoid Hard-bristled Toothbrush: If you are used to using a hard-bristled toothbrush, switch them out to a soft-bristled toothbrush in order to avoid brushing too hard. Using hard-bristled toothbrushes regularly can wear down enamel and also worsen sensitivity.
Make Conscious Efforts To Stop Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, especially at night, consider getting a mouthguard. The mouthguard will help you to limit teeth grinding, which can protect your enamel from unnecessary wear and tear.
Professional Dental Care
Sometimes home remedies just don’t cut it. In a case where that happens, you need a more professional treatment in order to tackle the problem you are facing. Firstly, you’ll need to go in for regular dental checkups where your dentists will be able to spot potential issues with your teeth.
When the issue has been spotted, the dentist uses a dental sealant, a thin coating, which is applied to the chewing surface of your teeth. These sealants protect against decay and can help reduce sensitivity in the teeth. For areas where the enamel is severely worn out or there is exposure, your dentist might use fillings to cover the sensitive areas.
Gum treatments are also useful if the gum recession is causing serious sensitivity. The treatment that will be given to the gum will help restore the gum health and cover exposed roots. Finally fluoride treatment will help strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to sensitivity.
Bottom Line
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that can cause sharp pain whenever your teeth come in contact with hot, cold, sweet, or acidic things. This discomfort often happens because your enamel, the protective layer of your teeth, wears down over time, exposing the sensitive inner layers.
The good news is that there are simple home remedies, like using desensitizing toothpaste or avoiding acidic foods, that can help. If the sensitivity persists, visiting your dentist for treatments like dental sealants, fillings, or fluoride applications can provide long-term relief.
