Sensitive teeth are caused by a number of different things. No matter which one it is, the sensitivity is merely a result of the dentin in your teeth being exposed. This middle layer of the tooth contains many little tubules that all lead to different nerves, resulting in pain when you eat or drink something your teeth don’t agree with. Try these practices to help make your sensitive teeth stronger.
Brush and Floss Daily
Experts say you should brush at least twice per day, and floss at least once. With brushing, make sure your toothbrush is soft and you brush no harder than you would the skin of a tomato. Brushing too hard can further damage your teeth. With flossing, make sure to get each side of every tooth and change the strip of floss for each one, otherwise the bacteria spreads from tooth to tooth.
Limit Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods like those in the citrus family, and acidic drinks like tea and coffee are not dangerous when ingested in limited quantities. This drastically changes when you drink coffee four times per day, or eat five oranges. By limiting the acid that wears down the enamel on your teeth, you give them time to heal.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride has been long known to strengthen enamel. From toothpastes to mouthwashes, always choose brands with added fluoride. The reason it is so effective, is that it makes your teeth much more resistant to something known as demineralization. This process happens when the bacteria in plaque begin to leech the minerals from the enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity and even cavities.
Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth out of habit or when you sleep, you need to stop. The continual action wears the teeth down very quickly. For night grinders, invest in a mouth guard. While it may feel a little weird at first, it will protect your teeth from themselves. Day grinders should be more aware of when they do it, and must do what they can to stop themselves as soon as it starts.
Regular Teeth Cleaning
Head down to your local Eastgate Dental Centre about once every six months. Dentists in Grimsby will give your teeth a proper clean, making sure to hit the spots you miss. This ensures that even if you don’t catch everything, you have someone who will.
Tooth sensitivity is not something you simply have to accept and live with. By starting a proper tooth cleaning regime, you can restore their natural defenses, and make your life more comfortable.
