Sensitive teeth can be a painful and debilitating condition. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, up to 40% of adults in the United States experience sensitive teeth at some point in their lives.
Fortunately, there are effective home treatments for both preventing and treating this condition. This article will discuss desensitizing toothpastes, mouthwashes, natural remedies, dietary changes as well as professional treatments that may help relieve the pain of sensitive teeth.
Key Takeaways
– Desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce pain and protect teeth from sensitivity.
– Maintaining appropriate brushing technique and using fluoride in toothpaste and rinse can provide additional protection against sensitivity.
– Avoiding acidic foods and reducing sugar intake can help promote healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the risk of dental problems.
– Visiting a dentist regularly for professional dental care, including fluoride treatments and desensitizing agents, can help diagnose and treat sensitivity, and prevent future dental problems.
Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Using a desensitizing toothpaste is an effective home treatment for preventing and treating sensitive teeth.
It works by helping to reduce the amount of pain felt when eating or drinking certain foods or beverages, as well as providing protection from further damage to the teeth due to acid erosion or wear.
Desensitizing toothpastes contain ingredients which act as a shield between the nerves in the teeth and outside sources of irritation, such as acidic food and drinks.
Additionally, they often contain special abrasive elements which help remove plaque buildup from around the gum line and along the enamel surface of your teeth.
In order for this method to be most effective, it is important that you follow an appropriate brushing technique with your toothpaste; put enough pressure on your brush so that it reaches all areas of your mouth effectively but not too much pressure that it causes unnecessary abrasion.
Additionally, make sure you are using a toothpaste with adequate levels of fluoride in order to provide additional protective benefits against sensitivity from external sources.
Try a Mouthwash for Sensitive Teeth
Mouthwashes have been shown to provide relief for patients suffering from sensitivity in their teeth.
For example, a study of 300 participants found that individuals who used a fluoride-based mouthwash experienced significantly reduced symptoms after only two weeks.
Utilizing a fluoride rinse can help protect the enamel on teeth and reduce sensitivity over time.
Additionally, it is important to brush regularly as this helps remove plaque buildup which can lead to an increase in tooth sensitivity.
To effectively combat tooth sensitivity it is recommended that one brush twice daily and supplement with using a fluoride rinse at least once per day.
Doing so will help ensure teeth remain healthy and free from sensitivity issues.
Overall, mouthwash is an effective treatment for sensitive teeth when used in combination with regular brushing and flossing habits.
This combination of activities has been proven to reduce the risk of developing dental problems such as cavities or gum disease, which can cause increased tooth sensitivity if left untreated.
Therefore, implementing these practices into one’s regular routine can be beneficial in preventing and treating any existing sensitive teeth issues!
Natural Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
In addition to utilizing mouthwashes, there are a variety of natural remedies that can be employed to reduce symptoms associated with dental sensitivity. Avoiding acidic foods and reducing sugar intake are two key strategies for managing sensitive teeth. Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and phosphorus promotes healthy teeth and gums, while limiting consumption of citric acid found in oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and grapefruit will help to prevent damage to tooth enamel. Furthermore, reducing the amount of sugary or processed foods can lead to healthier teeth by decreasing the risk of cavities or plaque buildup.
Another natural remedy for sensitive teeth is oil pulling. This involves swishing oil (such as sunflower oil) around the mouth for about 10-15 minutes each day as an effective method for cleaning bacteria from the gums and strengthening tooth enamel. Additionally, using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth may help reduce pain caused by eating hot or cold items due to its ability to block out external stimuli from reaching the nerve endings in the teeth.
| Remedy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| —– | —- |
| Avoiding acidic foods & reducing sugar intake | Promotes healthy teeth & gums Decreases risk of cavities/plaque buildup |
| Oil Pulling | Clean bacteria from gums Strengthen tooth enamel |
| Sensitive Toothpaste | Blocks external stimuli from reaching nerve endings Reduces pain caused by eating hot/cold items |
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
It is important to limit the consumption of certain foods and drinks in order to maintain dental health.
Sugary snacks, such as candy, cookies, cake, and ice cream should be avoided or consumed in small quantities due to their high sugar content, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
Additionally, acidic foods and beverages can contribute to sensitive teeth by eroding enamel and exposing dentin. This includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons; pickled vegetables; tomato-based products; carbonated sodas; wine; coffee; and sports drinks.
By limiting sugar intake and reducing acidity levels through dietary choices, individuals can help reduce their risk for developing sensitive teeth.
See a Dentist for Professional Treatment
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis is an important step in managing sensitive teeth. Professional dental care tips and oral hygiene habits are key for preventing and treating sensitive teeth since dentists have the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to diagnose the condition accurately and suggest appropriate treatments.
A comprehensive dental checkup can help identify any underlying issues that may be causing teeth sensitivity, such as worn enamel due to brushing too hard or exposed roots from receding gums. If the cause of the sensitivity is identified as an infection or cavity, then a filling or other restorative treatment may be recommended to reduce discomfort.
Additionally, a dentist can advise patients on how to improve their oral hygiene habits by suggesting changes such as switching toothpastes or using softer bristles when brushing their teeth. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to receive fluoride treatments or use special desensitizing agents that are designed specifically for those with especially sensitive teeth.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth can be a difficult problem to cope with. Despite this, there are some effective treatments available that can help reduce discomfort and prevent it from returning.
Desensitizing toothpaste, mouthwash for sensitive teeth, and natural remedies are all options to consider. Additionally, avoiding certain foods and drinks will also minimize the symptoms of sensitivity.
However, if these measures do not bring relief from the pain, then professional treatment from a dentist should be sought out in order to identify any underlying causes of the issue.
Although it is easy to feel helpless when dealing with sensitive teeth, there are many possible solutions worth exploring. With the right approach and care, anyone suffering from this condition can find relief with relative ease.
