How to Help Sensitive Teeth: Tips for Relief and Care

 Have you ever winced in pain from a bite of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee? That sharp, sudden feeling in your teeth is called tooth sensitivity. It’s a very common problem, and it can be quite uncomfortable. 

But how to help sensitive teeth? The good news is, you don’t have to live with it. There are lots of simple ways to get relief and even prevent it from happening. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sensitive teeth, from what causes them to how to make them feel better.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

To understand how to fix sensitive teeth, it helps to know what’s going on inside your mouth. Your teeth are made up of a few layers. The outer layer is a tough shell called enamel. It protects the inner part of the tooth, called dentine. Dentine is softer than enamel and contains thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve.

When the enamel wears away or your gums pull back (this is called gum recession), the dentine gets exposed. This means those little tubes are now open. When you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, it can travel down these tubes and touch the nerve, causing that quick jolt of pain.

There are several reasons why your enamel might wear down or your gums might recede:

  • Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard with a hard-bristle toothbrush can wear away your enamel over time.
  • Gum disease: Conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can cause your gums to swell and pull away from your teeth.
  • Grinding your teeth (bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially while you sleep, can wear down the enamel.
  • Acidic foods and drinks: Regularly consuming things like soft drinks, citrus fruits, and sports drinks can erode your enamel.
  • Tooth decay: A cavity can expose the dentine and the nerves inside your tooth.
  • Cracked or chipped teeth: A crack can be an open doorway for hot and cold things to get to the nerve.
  • Worn fillings: Old or broken fillings can lose their protective seal, exposing the dentine underneath.

Common Triggers for Sensitive Teeth

One of the most frustrating aspects of sensitive teeth is that the pain can be triggered by a wide range of everyday activities. If you have sensitive teeth, you’ve probably noticed that certain foods and drinks are the biggest culprits.

  • Cold stuff: This is probably the most common trigger. Things like ice cream, cold drinks, frozen yogurt, and even cold air can cause a sharp pain.
  • Hot stuff: Hot coffee, tea, soup, or other warm foods can also be a problem.
  • Sweet stuff: That morning doughnut or a piece of chocolate can sometimes cause a surprising amount of pain.
  • Acidic foods and drinks: Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pickles, and soft drinks are highly acidic. They can irritate the exposed dentine and even contribute to enamel erosion.
  • Brushing or flossing: Sometimes, the simple act of cleaning your teeth can cause a jolt of pain, especially if you’re using cold water.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to help sensitive teeth is to stop the problem before it starts. Prevention is key! Here are some simple habits you can adopt to protect your teeth.

  • Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, circular motion. Avoid scrubbing side-to-side. You’re cleaning your teeth, not polishing a car!
  • Use a desensitising toothpaste: Look for toothpaste that says it’s for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes often contain special ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help block those tiny tubes in your dentine. You’ll need to use it regularly for a few weeks to notice a difference.
  • Avoid grinding your teeth: If you know you grind your teeth at night, talk to the dentist. They recommend a night guard (a custom-made mouthguard) to protect your teeth while you sleep.
  • Limit acidic foods and drinks: Try to cut back on soft drinks, fruit juices, and sour lollies. If you do have them, use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking something acidic, wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. The acid softens your enamel, and brushing right away can wear it away faster.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent gum disease, which is a major cause of gum recession.
  • See the dentist regularly: Regular check-ups are important. A dentist can spot early signs of gum disease, worn fillings, or enamel erosion before they become a bigger problem. If you’re looking for a dentist in Hawthorn or a dentist Camberwell, there are great options available to help you, like Care Dental Camberwell.

How to Help Sensitive Teeth

If you already have sensitive teeth, don’t worry. There are many effective treatments available to give you relief. The treatment that works best for you will depend on what’s causing the sensitivity.

Dental Treatments

If at-home treatments aren’t working, it’s time to see the dentist. They can offer more targeted solutions.

  • Fluoride varnish: The dentist can apply a special, high-concentration fluoride varnish to your teeth. This strengthens the enamel and dentine, making your teeth less sensitive.
  • Bonding or sealing: If your sensitivity is caused by exposed dentine due to gum recession, the dentist might apply a special resin to cover the exposed root surface.
  • Root canal: In more severe cases, when the sensitivity is constant and causes severe pain, a root canal might be needed. This procedure treats problems with the soft centre of the tooth, called the pulp.
  • Gum grafts: If your gum recession is severe, a dentist might recommend a gum graft. This procedure takes a small piece of gum tissue from another part of your mouth and moves it to cover the exposed root, which helps protect it.

Lifestyle Changes to Minimise Sensitivity

Making a few simple changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in managing your sensitive teeth.

  • Drink more water: Staying hydrated is great for your overall health and helps rinse away food particles and acids.
  • Use a straw for acidic drinks: As we mentioned before, a straw helps bypass your teeth, reducing the time they are exposed to acid.
  • Snack smart: Try to eat fewer sugary and acidic snacks throughout the day. Frequent snacking exposes your teeth to more acid attacks.
  • Relax and de-stress: Teeth grinding is often related to stress. Finding ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise, might help reduce grinding.
  • Check your medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and sensitivity. Talk to your doctor or our dentists at Care Dental Camberwell if this is a problem for you.

When to See a Dentist for Sensitive Teeth

While many cases of tooth sensitivity are mild and can be managed at home, sometimes the problem is a sign of something more serious.

You should see a dentist if:

  • The pain is constant, sharp, or very severe.
  • The sensitivity doesn’t go away after a few weeks of using a desensitising toothpaste.
  • The pain is only in one tooth. This could be a sign of a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a loose filling.
  • You notice swelling or bleeding gums. This can be a sign of gum disease.
  • The pain is accompanied by a foul taste or smell in your mouth.

A dentist can properly diagnose the cause of your sensitivity and recommend the best tooth sensitivity treatment. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Hawthorn, book an appointment at Care Dental Camberwell to get a professional opinion. We can give you a thorough check-up and make sure your teeth are healthy.

Conclusion

Sensitive teeth can be a real nuisance, but you don’t have to put up with the pain. By understanding what causes the problem and taking simple steps like brushing gently, using a desensitising toothpaste, and avoiding certain foods, you can find significant relief. Remember, the dentist is your best partner in this. 

Don’t hesitate to book an appointment if the pain persists. Taking care of your teeth now will help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles and pain-free eating.

Ready to Start Feeling Better? 

Talk to our local dentist at Care Dental Camberwell about your sensitive teeth today. We can help you create a personalised plan to manage your sensitivity and get you back to enjoying all your favourite foods and drinks.

Source: How to Help Sensitive Teeth: Tips for Relief and Care


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