Clench your teeth and take a deep breath. Did you feel a sharp pain between your teeth as you sucked air in? Do your teeth hurt when you drink a cold soft drink or eat hot food? If you answered yes to these questions, chances are you have sensitive teeth.
If you’re a chronic sufferer of sensitive teeth, you may be asking yourself how to treat sensitive teeth at home. We have some top tips! But before we get into the solutions, let’s have a look at the causes of sore, sensitive teeth.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Teeth sensitivity is an irritating condition which causes great pain to the sufferer. What causes sensitive teeth to become sensitive? Simply put, your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. When this enamel becomes worn out, the tooth becomes more exposed. Tooth sensitivity can also occur when gums recede. This exposes the dentin and open tubules underneath. Open tubules are direct pathways to the nerves in your teeth. This explains why sufferers of sensitive teeth are often in a lot of pain!
Find out the cause of your sensitive teeth
The best way to treat your sensitive teeth is by finding out what is causing the sensitivity. If you’re a chronic teeth grinder, especially in your sleep, that may well be the cause of your sensitivity! To avoid any further damage to your enamel, consider purchasing a mouthguard or, even better, having one tailor made at your local dentist.
If you enjoy soft drinks and eating sugary or acidic food, this may be the cause of your teeth sensitivity. Sugary and acidic substances can cause enamel to wear away. To help your teeth recover, limit the amount of acidic and sugary food and drinks you consume.
If you’re certain these aren’t the causes of your sensitive teeth, you may just have naturally sensitive teeth. Keep reading to discover some more ways to treat your sensitive teeth at home!
Consider what toothpaste you use to brush your teeth
Did you know there are certain toothpastes that help sensitive teeth become less sensitive? If you have issues with sensitivity, look out for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate or sodium fluoride. These chemical names might sound worrying, but they are actually useful compounds that block the tubules in the exposed dentin on your teeth. This stops anything from reaching the sensitive nerves inside your teeth. To find the right toothpaste to suit your needs, contact your local, friendly dentist.
Think about the toothbrush you use
Surprisingly, the toothbrush that you brush with can actually make your teeth sensitivity worse! You may have been told to brush your teeth with a stiff bristled brush. However, these tough bristles may scrub the enamel right off your teeth, leaving them exposed and sensitive. For those with sensitive teeth, use a soft bristled brush and protect your remaining enamel.
When it comes to cleaning your sensitive teeth, it’s best to do it gently; intense brushing can wear away enamel. If tooth root is exposed, this brushing can also wear away the most sensitive part of your vulnerable tooth. At the end of the day, gentle cleaning and soft brushes are the best way to go.
Consider when you brush your teeth
Despite the importance of using a soft brush and gentle cleaning technique, those who suffer from sensitive teeth still need to regularly brush their teeth. The recommended time to brush your teeth is around two minutes. This stops plaque from building up on your teeth and eating away at the enamel.
If you’re a fan of acidic and sugary food or drinks, you already know this can cause damage to your teeth’s enamel. Since learning this, you may even be tempted to go and brush your teeth right after drinking that soft drink or eating an orange. However, it is highly recommended not to brush your teeth directly after eating these types of foods. This is because the brushing can continue to damage the enamel after you have consumed the sugary or acidic product. Wait for 20 minutes after having these kinds of foods or drinks before you go and brush your teeth.
Consider using a mouth rinse
While brushing your teeth can help the enamel in your mouth, there are other things you can do to protect this important coating. Gargling with different rinses can help strengthen the enamel and fight off plaque and other nasties.
An example of the type of rinse you could use is fluorine rinse. With the assistance of your dentist, an approved fluorine rinse can help to keep the enamel coating on your teeth strong. It can even protect your teeth from further acid damage.
If you’re interested in home remedies for sensitive teeth, consider using baking soda. Surprisingly, it can help by balancing the acid levels in your mouth. Baking soda can also stop gum disease, ensuring your gums don’t recede and protecting your teeth from becoming sensitive.
Although rinses can be helpful with sensitive teeth, it is important to ensure that you continue to brush your teeth regularly. Rinses cannot be used as substitutes for brushing, especially with sensitive teeth!
If you have sensitive teeth, there are so many ways you can go about protecting them. From using special toothpaste to avoiding acidic foods, you can ensure your teeth stay healthy and stop the pain.
As part of maintaining healthy teeth, it is important to visit your dentist at least once a year. Regular check ups are the key to noticing little problems before they become big sensitivity issues!
It’s helpful knowing how to treat sensitive teeth at home, but it’s also a great idea to visit the friendly and professional team at Australia Dental for expert help. With a wealth of experience and two fantastic locations, they will ensure your sensitive teeth will stay healthy and pain-free any time of the year.
Need help or advice about how to treat sensitive teeth at home? Contact the team at Australia Dental on (07) 3888 9125 (Burpengary) or (07) 3284 7112 (Clontarf)!
