If you feel pain or an uncomfortable sensation in your teeth when you consume hot or cold food & drinks, bite into things, or breathe cold air you likely are experiencing tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be painful and indicate an underlying health issue. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to avoid sensitive teeth and receive the best treatment options. Tarneit Dental Care are expert dentists in Melbourne who can help you prevent and treat sensitive teeth. Let’s have a look at the causes of sensitive teeth and possible prevention & treatment options.
Causes
When the protective enamel of your teeth has been damaged it exposes the inner layer, called the dentine. This layer contains small hollow tubes in which heat and cold can travel to the nerve, causing pain. Possible causes of enamel damage include:
- Brushing your teeth too roughly
- Vomiting and reflux
- Consuming acidic foods & drinks
- Grinding your teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Dental produces such as whitening, crowns, fillings, wisdom teeth removal
Prevention
Regular Dental Check Ups
Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent sensitive teeth as you’ll be given the treatments you require for healthy teeth. Fillings, deep cleaning, root canal treatments, and crowns are all procedures to help keep your teeth in top shape and cover sensitive areas. If no cause for your sensitive teeth is found, your dentist can help you devise a plan to manage the pain.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is an essential part of everyday life and incredibly helpful in preventing sensitive teeth. Use small circular motions and a soft toothbrush. Ensure you are not brushing too roughly and do wait at least 60 minutes after eating.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Soft drinks, lollies, high-sugar carbs, and certain fruits are all high in acid and attack enamel, causing the below layer to open and cause pain. If you eat these foods, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help clear away the acid. Instead reach for foods like fiber-rich fruit and vegetables, cheese, milk, and plain yogurt. These foods moisten your mouth and help fight acid.
Unclench Your Teeth
Teeth grinding wears away at your enamel. Finding a way to unclench and avoid grinding your teeth is key in avoiding sensitive teeth. Sometimes, reducing stress can stop the problem. If the problem goes beyond that, talk to your dentist about mouth guards or possible dental work to change your teeth’s position.
Treatment
Desensitising Toothpaste
There are a range of different desensitising toothpastes on the market that can help prevent sensitive teeth. Desensitising toothpastes contain compounds that help shield nerve endings from pain causing irritants. Which is best will depend on your individual needs. Your dentist will be able to help you choose the right toothpaste, fluoride gel, or desensitising paste for your situation.
Dental Treatments
Fillings are a common treatment and cover exposed roots, blocking the root for pain causing heat and cold. For more serious cases, your dentist may suggest a root canal to solve the problem.
Salt Water Rinse
Salt is a natural and effective antiseptic that helps reduce inflammation. To help alleviate pain from sensitive teeth, gargle and rinse with salt water twice daily. Add ¾ of a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and mix well. Swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit out.
Natural Antibacterial Foods
There are a number of foods that are antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and pain relievers. Honey, turmeric, green tea, capsaicin, and vanilla extract are known natural sources to help with oral health and pain relief.
Tarneit Dental Care Are Experts In Caring For Your Sensitive Teeth
Keeping up good oral hygiene and eating healthy foods are the best way to avoid sensitive teeth. Your dentist will have the best treatment advice tailored to you to treat your teeth. If you’re looking for a dental clinic in Melbourne to help care for your sensitive teeth, Tarneit Dental Care is here. Book an appointment online or give our friendly team a call on 03 9749 4491.