Are your teeth sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, or sugary foods? You may be wondering how to deal with sensitivity and continue your normal daily routine. So in this blog from Cardinal Family Dentistry, we’ll give you a few of our top tips for dealing with sensitive, tender teeth.
Some people just have sensitive teeth due to weak or thin enamel. But a lot of the time, sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious problem. This includes:
So before you go about your business, it’s best to see a dentist to get a diagnosis. Leaving these conditions untreated can cause serious oral health problems in your future, so come to our office for an appointment with Dr. Sarah Barker right away. She’ll make sure your mouth is healthy, and provide you with a treatment plan to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
Cutting back on frigid ice cream or boiling hot coffee can help you manage tooth sensitivity. Really hot and cold foods tend to make sensitivity worse, so try to adjust your diet accordingly. Waiting until hot beverages reach a cooler temperature, or cutting back on ice cream and other frozen treats can help you control your sensitivity.
Soft bristles are more gentle on your enamel and gums, and are less likely to cause enamel erosion. Use a toothbrush with very soft bristles to keep your sensitivity in check.
You also should use an ADA-accepted anti sensitivity toothpaste. These contain fluoride that rebuilds your enamel, as well as other ingredients that help reduce sensitivity. Sensodyne is a popular choice in patients who have sensitive teeth.
Fluoride treatments can strengthen your teeth and help with minor sensitivity, in some cases. This involves “painting” a thin layer of fluoride gel onto your teeth, leaving it in place for a few minutes, then removing it. The fluoride makes your teeth stronger, and can help with sensitivity.
Dental sealants may also help. They consist of a very thin layer of dental resin, which is usually applied to the rear teeth. Basically, they seal the teeth completely to protect them from oral bacteria, sugar, and acid. This helps prevent cavities, and also dramatically reduces sensitivity in treated teeth.
If you want to whiten your teeth in Apex, make sure you tell Dr. Barker about your sensitivity before you get started. Teeth whitening can make sensitivity worse. While this is temporary, it can still lead to a lot of discomfort.
Telling Dr. Barker about your sensitivity before your treatment begins will help reduce post-whitening sensitivity. She can give you a less powerful whitener, or spread your treatment across multiple appointments.
Sensitive teeth can be harmless, but may also indicate serious undiagnosed oral health problems. So don’t wait. If you need help with sensitive teeth in Apex, Cary, New Hill, or Holly Springs, Dr. Barker is here for you. Contact Cardinal Family Dentistry online or give us a call at (919) 589-5001 to schedule your appointment today.
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