When you take a
sip of an ice-cold drink or a piping hot coffee, do your teeth hurt? The worst
is when you breathe in air and your teeth ache in pain. And good luck with an
ice cream cone! Sensitive teeth are not only painful but they can also
interfere with your daily life and affect what you can and cannot eat and
drink.
The reason for
the pain from sensitive teeth is exposed dentine (the inner substance of the
tooth which is covered by enamel). Your enamel, especially where the tooth
meets the root at the gumline, can get quite thin, exposing the dentine.
Dentine contains tunnels linked to the nerves on the inside of the tooth and
when the dentine is exposed, these nerves are very easily stimulated, resulting
in pain.
Some common
causes of sensitive teeth are: acid erosion, gum recession, gum disease, tooth
grinding, tooth bleaching, or a cracked tooth or filling.
Here are some ways to reduce tooth
sensitivity:
1. Switch Toothpastes
There
are several brands of toothpaste on the market, such as Sensodyne, that are
designed to help you if you have sensitive teeth. They contain an active
ingredient called potassium nitrate to help block the tiny tunnels in the
dentine that connect to the nerves. Switching toothpaste is a great place to
start if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity for the first time.
2. Rethink the Way You Brush
You
should always use a soft toothbrush and you should never brush too vigorously.
Hard brushing can actually wear away your enamel, increasing the sensitivity of
your teeth.
3. Avoid Acidic Foods and
Drinks
Exposure
to acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juice, soda, red wine,
oranges, and sour candy can do major damage to the enamel on your teeth,
causing sensitivity. Limit your daily intake and brush after you eat these
foods.
4. Talk to your Dentist
If
you’re not having luck with desensitizing toothpaste or changing the way you
brush and eat, contact West Bloomington’s Krengel
Dental. Dr. Krengel can go over procedures that can minimize sensitivity. If you
grind your teeth, which wears away enamel, your dentist can fit you for a mouth
guard. Changing toothpastes and the way you brush can’t replace damage done by
gum disease, acid erosion, or a cracked tooth, so if you are unsure what is
causing your tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact
Krengel Dental!
