Tooth sensitivity is something that is thought to affect around 40 million American adults at any one time. Sometimes it can be a temporary thing that goes away. Other times it stays with us. Either way, if you’re experiencing sensitive teeth it pays to visit your dentist.
Here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we see cases of sensitive teeth on a daily basis. The vast majority of them are simple and effective to treat. Often they only need slight lifestyle changes for the teeth to repair themselves. Other times, simple, painless treatments can return the teeth to their not-so sensitive state.
Here are some ways to prevent tooth sensitivity.
Brush properly – Tooth sensitivity is caused by the erosion of tooth enamel. This can be caused by diet, lifestyle or just general wear and tear on your teeth. Brushing properly with a soft brush can help reduce the chances of enamel erosion. Not brushing too hard, using the right bristle type and the right movement can all help too.
Use a good toothpaste – Not all toothpastes are created equal. Some contain abrasives that speed up enamel erosion and can cause tooth sensitivity. Using a good quality toothpaste, or one specially formulated for sensitive teeth can help. Ask us for recommendations.
Avoid acidic foods – Food and drinks high in acid help erode that enamel, causing sensitivity. Foods such as citrus fruits, fruit juices, soda and ketchup are all high in acid. Eating them only with meals or not at all can contribute to lowering the acidity in the mouth and enamel erosion.
Desensitizing toothpastes – We can prescribe or suggest special desensitizing toothpastes designed to block the nerves in the dentin that cause discomfort. Once you have made the necessary lifestyle changes, we might suggest or prescribe a special toothpaste that specifically addresses tooth sensitivity.
Dental bonding – If you have tried the steps above and are still suffering with sensitive teeth, we may be able to help. Dental bonding is a light curing resin that coats the teeth. It can protect tooth enamel and form an effective barrier between that sensitive dentin and the outside world. It’s a very effective treatment.
As you can see, there are several quick and easy ways to prevent tooth sensitivity. If your teeth feel sensitive for three or four days at a time, you may have sensitive teeth. Now would be a good time to visit your dentist so we can take quick action. Schedule your consultation at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!
– See more at: https://aestheticfamilydentistry.com/blog/the-quick-and-easy-guide-to-preventing-tooth-sensitivity/#sthash.g5JL1QHC.dpuf
