If you pass on hot or cold drinks because you know they’ll make your teeth hurt, it usually means your enamel (teeth’s protective layer) has worn away and your teeth are becoming sensitive. Many of our patients at Dr. Vlahos Dentistry in St. Catharines express discomfort related to temperature sensitivity. Whether your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, acid, sugar, brushing or flossing, you don’t have to suffer. Below we’ve listed some causes of sensitive teeth, along with some tips to prevent and treat sensitive teeth.
Popular Causes of Sensitive Teeth
- Tooth Decay and Cavities
- Worn out Fillings or Enamel
- Exposed Tooth Root
- Fractured, Cracked or Chipped Teeth
- Gum Disease or Infection
| - Over Brushing
- Teeth Grinding
- Acidic Foods
- Bruised Tooth Nerves from a Recent
Procedure (Temporal)
|
Change Your Toothpaste
The type of toothpaste you’re using might be the #1 cause of your sensitive teeth. When you check the label, does it say “whitening” on it? If so, the ingredients you’re putting on your teeth’s enamel a couple times a day might be starting to cause hypersensitivity. If you use a whitening toothpaste, try replacing it with one that’s specific for sensitive teeth. It can take up to two weeks before the minerals inside the toothpaste start to block off the tiny pores on your teeth, but once they do, you’ll start to feel an improvement.
Stop Brushing so Hard
Do you brush your teeth with a strong hand? If so, you might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel ware away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush, or an electric brush, and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep your enamel clean and strong.
Avoid Acidic Drinks and Food
We recommend cutting back on acidic foods such as soda, sticky candy, high-sugar carbs — all of these treats attack your enamel. Instead, snack on fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk, plain yogurt, etc. These will moisten your mouth and help fight acid and bacteria that can eat away at your teeth. You can also drink green or black tea or chew sugarless gum.
Unclench Your Teeth
Over time, grinding your teeth wears away your enamel. Sometimes, addressing your stress can stop this problem. However, if that doesn’t work, your dentist can fit you for a splint or a mouth guard. If the problem is severe, you may need dental work to change your teeth’s position, or a muscle relaxant for your jaw muscles.
Visit Dr. Vlahos in St. Catharines
Dr. Vlahos in St. Catharines, ON can inspect your teeth and gums to find out what is causing the sensitivity. From there, we will determine a plan of action to get you treated as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. Vlahos today to learn about fighting teeth sensitivity!