There are many things that can cause sensitive teeth and gums, including tooth grinding and poor tooth brushing habits. Knowing how to care for your teeth and cut back on tooth sensitivity can improve your quality of life and make eating more fun! Most of all, it’s important to work with your dentist. Your dentist can help you identify reasons that your teeth are sensitive and can make recommendations for improvement.
Use the Right Tools for Brushing
The wrong toothbrush can do damage to your tooth enamel and gum tissue, especially if it’s used too often over too many years. Never purchase a toothbrush with hard or medium bristles.
Next time you’re buying a toothbrush, purchase one with soft (or extra soft) bristles. If your teeth are sensitive, avoid whitening toothpaste as it can make your teeth more sensitive. Instead, purchase toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
Many people are naturally inclined to push hard when they’re brushing their teeth. After all, it makes sense to think that pushing hard and brushing your teeth hard could remove more particles from your teeth, and more quickly.
Unfortunately, brushing your teeth too hard can cause sensitivity. You may not know if you’re brushing your teeth too hard, but your dentist may be able to spot the signs. Next time you’re in the dentist’s office, ask your dentist to show you how to brush your teeth the right way.
Limit Acidic Food Intake
Acidic food can wear away the upper levels of your tooth enamel, causing sensitivity. If your teeth are already sensitive, try limiting your acidic food intake.
Some of the most acidic foods may surprise you:
- cheese
- high-sodium processed foods
- fish and seafood
- certain starchy foods like brown rice and granola
- fresh and processed meats
- high protein foods
- carbonated beverages
Use a Mouthguard if You Need One
People who grind their teeth at night can wear away their tooth enamel and also cause cracks in their teeth, causing sensitivity. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
You may not know that you grind your teeth at night, but your dentist will be able to tell. Talk to your dentist to find out if this is a problem that affects you. If it does, your dentist can help you obtain a mouthguard that will effectively protect your teeth.
Talk to Your Dentist Fillings or Sealants
Cavities can cause sensitivity. If you have a cavity, your dentist can use fillings to stop the sensitivity. In some cases, sealants can also stop tooth sensitivity. If you have very sensitive teeth, this could be an important problem to bring up with your dentist.
What does all this mean? A visit to the dentist can help you manage your tooth sensitivity. Call Weninger Dentistry to make an appointment for a checkup.