What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
If you’re reluctant to eat anything hot or cold because it will hurt your teeth, it’s time to talk to your dentist in Downtown Vancouver about your sensitive teeth and find an appropriate solution. Apart from the hot and cold food and drinks, anything sweet, sour or sugary can also trigger severe toothache and discomfort in sensitive teeth.
The Academy of General Dentistry states that around 40 million people in the United States alone suffer from sensitive teeth. If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, here’s what you can do:
Use a Soft Bristle Toothbrush
Scrubbing too vigorously and using a heavy hand while brushing can aggravate the sensitivity. Aggressive side-to-side brushing can wear down your enamel and lead to gum recession. So if you’re not already using a toothbrush with soft bristles, it’s time to switch. A soft-bristled toothbrush will not damage your enamel and hence reduce your sensitivity. Brush your teeth using gentle, circular strokes while keeping your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line to keep your enamel strong and teeth clean.
Change Your Toothpaste
Switch to a toothpaste that is specifically for sensitive teeth. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help calm the throbbing ache and provide temporary relief from sensitivity. Most toothpaste can temporarily fill the tiny holes or gaps in your dentin or enamel that can provide you relief from sensitivity by blocking the exposure of teeth’s nerves. There are several over-the-counter toothpaste and other products available for sensitive teeth. Your dentist can recommend a suitable product that might work for you.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Avoid consuming problematic food and drinks such as soda, pickles, coffee and sticky candies. These food items can increase your sensitivity by attacking your tooth enamel. Instead, try snacking on plain yogurt, milk, cheese, high-fiber vegetables and fruits. These items will help you fight the bacteria and acid that damage your teeth. Limiting the consumption or avoiding these acidic foods and beverages can reduce your sensitivity. It’s also better to avoid liquids and food that are extremely cold or hot as it can lead to severe tooth discomfort.
Dental Coatings
Your dentist can apply some coating to relieve you from sensitive teeth. There are several dental coatings and varnishes that can help control sensitivity. A commonly used varnish is fluoride. Your dentist can suggest a fluoride treatment that will fill in any holes or gaps in your dentin to reduce the exposure of teeth to temperature changes and other elements. Some other plastic sealant coatings and bonding agents can also strengthen your enamel and relieve sensitivity.
Visit Your Dentist
The best solution for sensitive teeth will be provided to you after a checkup with your dentist. Downtown Vancouver is the hub of expert dental clinics like ours, where you can get a fitting solution for all your dental issues. Once we see the extent of the problem, we can plan a suitable course of action to tackle the root cause. If your tooth sensitivity is caused by a cavity, a dental crown or filling can help relieve pain. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary if all other options fail to be effective.
Schedule an appointment with our skilled dentist Downtown Vancouver and solve all your dental concerns.
