Tooth Sensitivity at nearby dentist Laurelhurst Dentistry

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

Aug 03, 2023

Do you feel a sharp pain in your tooth from biting on candy, eating ice cream, or sweet or hard foods? If yes, you might be dealing with tooth sensitivity. It is called dentin hypersensitivity, which could be due to a response to certain stimuli. You could have sensitivity in one, multiple, or all of your teeth.

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth?

Discover below the prevention of sensitive teeth:

Refrain from Acidic or Sweet Beverages and Foods

To fix your problem, avoid acidic or sweet drinks and foods altogether. They attack the tooth enamel and irritate the mouth. Acidic beverages and foods include citrus drinks, pickles, vinegar, lemons, etc.

Instead, you can switch to healthy and hygienic foods such as black tea, milk, cheese, plain yogurt, fiber-rich veggies, and fruits. Even if you consume something acidic, wait for one hour instead of brushing your teeth quickly.

Use a Mouthguard at Night

Tooth sensitivity can be due to grinding teeth. You can avoid it by using a high-quality mouthguard at night. Teeth clenching or grinding pull away your enamel. If you notice that the issue is not under control even after using a mouthguard, the dentist Portland OR will work with you to alter your teeth positioning.

Take a Break from Teeth Whitening Treatment

Although teeth bleaching from the dentist 97214 is considered safe, repeating it multiple times can result in tooth pain. It’s because the professional uses a bleaching agent to remove the stains from the teeth. It causes sensitive teeth. Thus, take a break from your whitening session for a few months.

Do Not Brush Aggressively

Avoid brushing too hard because it may damage your teeth and may lose your enamel faster. Always use a soft-bristled brush to keep your mouth bacteria-free. Also, brush with a 45-degree angle to your gum.

See Local Dentist Regularly

Fix routine visits to the dental clinic for regular cleanings and check-ups. The professional will determine the level of tooth sensitivity and the exact cause. Then, he/she will provide the most appropriate treatment to get relief from the painful condition.

Refrain from Smokeless Tobacco

Another step to take to prevent sensitivity is to avoid using smokeless tobacco. The Portland dentist will also give tips to prevent gum and teeth problems.

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

Besides this, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Rinse Using a Fluoride Mouthwash

Stay away from sensitive teeth to a great extent by washing your mouth using fluoridated mouthwash. You can avail it in a dental office or dental center. It will shield your teeth by strengthening the compromised tooth enamel.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Sharp shooting pain in your teeth while biting down on sweet or hard items or munching an ice cream could be due to the following reasons:

Exposure of Cementum from the Gum Lining

The tooth sensitivity occurs if the cementum layer gets exposed along the gum lining as your gums recede.

Dentin Exposure

Dental caries, enamel loss, and receding gum tissue expose the tubules. Without any protection, the stimuli trigger the tooth nerves, which results in tooth sensitivity.

Inner Tooth Exposure

Sometimes, cavities expose the porous tissue in the teeth. It can also make the tooth enamel thin enough to impact the dentin layer significantly, leading to sensitivity.

Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

The following triggers or a combination of them can result in sensitive teeth. Patients notice the following symptoms:

Flossing or Brushing

If you feel pain while brushing or flossing, it could be due to tooth sensitivity.

Cold Water

An iced cold water can result in tooth sensitivity. It can be the water that professional uses during regular dental cleaning.

Cold Foods

Ice cream bars, ice cubes, soft drinks, and other cold beverages and foods indicate sensitive teeth.

Acidic Foods

Sore fruits, vinegar, or other acidic drinks and foods expose the cementum or dentin layer.

Cold Air

If you are close to an AC or suck in cold air during winter, it leads to sensitive teeth.

Sweet Foods

Drinks and foods containing a high amount of sweeteners or excess sweetness can make your teeth sensitive.

Hot Foods

Soups, coffee, and other hot foods and beverages can lead to pain in the tooth.

For general dentistry services, call Laurelhurst Dentistry now.

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