Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

DO YOU SUFFER FROM SENSITIVE TEETH OR HAVE A SENSITIVE TOOTH ?

This is quite a common problem which can be due to many different things. Determining which one is effecting you may not be easy. If you are in constant pain please contact us so we can help you to resolve the problem.

HERE ARE 6 EASY STEPS TO HELP

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

1.     TRY A TOOTHPASTE MADE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH 

Several brands of toothpaste on the market are designed to help people with sensitive teeth. Some toothpastes contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate, which helps to block the tiny tubules in the dentin of your teeth.

They don’t work for everybody, but it’s usually the best place to start. If you start with a sensitive toothpaste continue using it even if the sensitivity subsides.

2.     CHANGE THE WAY YOU BRUSH 

 

If you’re not using a soft toothbrush, if you’re scrubbing your teeth vigorously, or if you’re not brushing for a full two minutes, then you’re not doing any favours for your sensitive teeth.

Hard brushing can actually wear away enamel which will increase the sensitivity of your teeth. If you have any recession of your gums and your tooth root is exposed as a result, then you’re scrubbing at Cementum. This is meant to protect the root of the tooth, but can wear away even faster than enamel with aggressive brushing.

CHANGING YOUR BRUSHING TECHNIQUE CAN BE A DIFFICULT HABIT TO BREAK.

Ask the dentist at your next check up to show you the correct way to brush using the right amount of pressure.

Click here to find out more

3.     AVOID ACIDIC FOOD AND DRINKS

Exposure to red wine, fizzy drinks, fruit juices and acidic foods—such as oranges and pickles—can put your enamel under constant attack.

Limit these foods and drinks, and try to brush at least 60 minutes after eating them.

Not earlier, as brushing your teeth while the sugar or acid are still on your teeth may hurt your enamel further. Chewing a dental gum at this time would be more beneficial.

Even if your teeth aren’t yet feeling sensitive, it’s a good idea to be cautious about

4.     ASK YOUR DENTIST ABOUT A PAINT JOB

 

If you’re not having much luck with a desensitizing toothpaste, and you still have sensitive teeth, then talk to your dentist about painted-on barriers.

Desensitizing agents like fluoride varnish or even plastic resins can be applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth. Commonly known as Fissure sealants.

They wear off over time, anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on what material is used. Therfore, they may need to be reapplied.

5.     PUT A STOP TO GRINDING 

If you are grinding your teeth when you’re tense, you could be wearing away enamel and making your teeth sensitive giving yourself a sensitivity problem.

You may not even realise you’re grinding. If you do notice yourself clenching during the day, remind yourself to relax your jaw with your teeth slightly apart. Then rest your tongue just behind your front teeth on the roof of your mouth.

Often people only grind their teeth while sleeping, and dont realise they are doing it. However, unexplained jaw pain or headaches in the morning could be a clue and this can also cause sensitive teeth. If you do grind your teeth, change your sleeping position, or talk to your dentist about a mouth guard at night.

6.     TREAT RECEDING GUMS

Normally the root of your tooth is covered up by your gum tissue. But if you have gum recession, caused from either gum disease or hard brushing, then the root will be exposed and the cementum can be worn away. Your dentist may be able to rebuild or restore your receding gums, for example with a treatment involving tissue grafts. This process can be lengthy, costly and with no guarantees that your graft tissue will be successful. If you are brushing incorrectly and causing your gums to recede, then change the way you brush before you start anything as extensive as restorative grafts. Otherwise, you will only end up brushing through the restorative material too.

 

It’s always important to pin point the exact cause for the sensitivityof your teeth. That way you’ll get a great resolution.

CONTACT US