Trade in the sharp shooting discomfort of sensitive teeth for sensations that make your mouth water in all the right ways. With these tips, you can go from hot to cold and enjoy bursts of temperatures without cringing in pain. So, bring on the hot beverages, ice old desserts and everything in between, and start enjoying the delicious sensations you’ve been missing out on.
Know What Foods to Avoid
You’ve got your tooth brushing skills down pat, and are using a desensitizing toothpaste but are still experiencing excruciating pain in your teeth and gums. It could be possible that you’re consuming too many foods and drinks that are high in acid. Things such as citrus fruits, wine, coffee, fermented vegetables and carbonated drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth sensitivity.
You will want to brush your teeth approximately 20 minutes after consuming them to help protect your enamel and decrease sensitivity.
And try to keep a food diary for a couple of weeks. Track what you eat, and when your teeth sensitivity increases. Compare the data at the end of your experiment, and you should be able to see if your diet is contributing to the oral pain you’re experiencing.
Your Teeth are Not Tools
Don’t use them to crack open nuts. Only stuntmen in movies should open bottle caps with teeth. And yes there is such a thing as a crab cracker that helps you break open a crab’s shell and get to the juicy meat inside.
Upgrade your Brushing Ways
You can brush your teeth in a variety of ways, and if this comes to you as a shock, chances are your teeth brushing ways are in dire need of an upgrade.
For starters, you’ll want to opt for a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Since you’re experiencing sensitivity, it could be that your toothbrush is too hard which is causing your gum line to recede. As a result, your teeth become more susceptible to abrasion and ultimately, sensitivity.
Once you have a new, soft toothbrush, focus on the way you brush. Make sure you aren’t brushing too hard, as this can also push your gum line back. Instead, practise a slow, soft circular motion every time you brush.
Swap out Regular Oral Care Products for Those That Treat Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Start protecting and preventing your teeth’s sensitivity by swapping out your regular toothpaste and mouth rinse for desensitizing variants. There are different strengths, ingredients and types of toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as hypoallergenic variants, remineralizing variants etc.
Generally, desensitizing toothpastes incorporate potassium salts into the mix to help temporarily “cover” up the little cracks in your teeth that have exposed the tooth nerves underneath to hot and cold stimuli. This helps decrease the level of intensity of sensitivity you feel.
Since it can take several applications for the desensitizing effects to take place, it’s recommended to completely swap out regular toothpastes for a desensitizing variety. You’re going to brush daily anyway, so might as well do it with a toothpaste that addresses your oral health concerns.
Incorporating fluoride mouth rinse into your daily oral care regime will also help protect your teeth further from tooth decay that will eventually lead to more sensitivity.