Tooth sensitivity can be a minor nuisance or an intense pain that stops you in your tracks. But even mild sensitivity is worth paying attention to because it can get worse over time, and sometimes it’s a sign of a more serious issue. Fortunately, the Lake Baldwin Dental team is here to help you stay comfortable with effective sensitive teeth solutions in Orlando, FL.
Let’s take a look at 5 simple steps you can take to improve tooth sensitivity at home, and a few signs that it’s time to call in a professional for help.
5 Tips for Sensitive Teeth
There are a few reasons teeth can become sensitive. Some of us have naturally more sensitive teeth, but frequently sensitivity comes from using the wrong products. In many cases, gum recession also frequently plays a role, as it can expose sensitive root surfaces.
Whatever is causing your sensitivity, there are a few things that should help in most cases.
1. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
When you’re choosing a toothbrush, it may be tempting to go for stiff bristles. After all, giving your teeth a good hard scrub should get them extra clean, right?
Not exactly. Medium and hard bristled toothbrushes are stiff enough to damage your gums and even your enamel over time. They can be especially damaging to exposed root surfaces.
Over time, aggressive brushing with a stiff toothbrush can wear away tooth structure, putting sensitive nerve endings inside the tooth closer to the surface where they’re more easily irritated.
Stick to brushing with short, polishing strokes with a soft bristled toothbrush or opt for a high-quality electric brush like a Sonicare.
2. Try Desensitizing Toothpaste
Our teeth have nerves on the inside that help alert us to problems like cavities, cracks, or that we’re biting down too hard. Desensitizing toothpastes contain special ingredients, such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, that help calm these nerves and block pain signals.
It takes about two weeks for these ingredients to start making a difference, so don’t worry if you’ don’t notice a difference right away. To help them work their best, avoid rinsing your mouth immediately after brushing. Just spit out the excess so the protective ingredients can stay on your teeth longer.
3. Limit Trigger Foods
Certain foods and drinks can set off sensitive teeth almost instantly. Common culprits include:
- Ice-cold drinks or foods
- Hot drinks like coffee or tea
- Acidic foods like citrus, pineapple, or tomatoes
- Sugary Snacks
- Sticky candies
Limiting or avoiding these foods can help reduce sensitivity flare-ups. If you do enjoy them, try drinking water afterward to wash away acids and sugars that can make sensitivity worse.
4. Wear a Night Guard
If you grind or clench your teeth (a condition called bruxism), it can wear down your enamel and strain your nerves, making your teeth more sensitive. Many people don’t even realize they grind their teeth since it often happens during sleep.
Wearing a custom night guard made by your dentist protects your teeth from damage, reduces sensitivity, and can even help prevent jaw pain and headaches linked to grinding.
5. Get Plenty of Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens your enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay and sensitivity. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse at home is a simple way to boost protection.
If you have severe sensitivity, we strongly recommend professional fluoride varnish treatments after your routine cleanings. These treatments give your teeth a significant mineral boost that lasts for several months, helping other anti-sensitivity strategies work even better.
What Not to Do If You Have Sensitive Teeth
If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, there are a few things that can make the problem worse. In addition to the tips above, here are some key things to avoid.
- Using abrasive products. Ingredients like whitening and tartar control are very abrasive. Like using a hard-bristled toothbrush, this can wear away at your gums, enamel, and root surfaces, making your teeth more sensitive. Charcoal toothpaste is an absolute no-go for sensitive teeth!
(Pro tip: If you have sensitive teeth but want whiter teeth, talk to our team about it! We can help you find the best solution.) - Snacking on starchy foods throughout the day. Sugars and starches in food feed bacteria that produce acid, which damages your enamel. Snacking throughout the day keeps your mouth more acidic, which can make your teeth more sensitive.
- Chewing gum too often. Especially if you clench or grind your teeth, chewing gum can lead to more jaw tension, leading to even more sensitive teeth. Instead, use a tooth strengthening rinse to freshen your breath and focus on keeping your jaw relaxed.
- Going fluoride-free. We understand that there is a lot of confusion about fluoride these days. However, the research is clear: fluoride is safe. It’s also the most effective way to keep your enamel strong and tooth sensitivity under control.
- Ignoring it. Tooth sensitivity should never be ignored, and it’s always worth discussing with your dental team. Especially if your teeth are becoming more sensitive, or you’re experiencing sensitivity in a specific area, it could be a sign of a serious problem. You don’t need to suffer in silence!
When to Call Your Dentist About Tooth Sensitivity
While mild sensitivity is common, it’s always worth talking about strategies to keep it under control so you can live your life without worrying about tooth pain. However, there are some cases when sensitivity might point to a more urgent issue.
Get in touch with our team right away if:
- Your sensitivity is getting worse
- Sensitivity is limited to one specific tooth
- It lingers after being triggered
- Your tooth is especially sensitive to heat
- You notice any swelling, bleeding gums, or tooth discoloration
- The sensitivity only happens when you bite down
These could be signs of a cavity, gum disease, cracked tooth, or infection, which are all issues that need professional care as soon as possible.
Sensitive Teeth Stealing Your Smile? Lake Baldwin Dental Is Here to Help!
Tooth sensitivity can make simple things like enjoying a cold drink or smiling with confidence much harder than they should be. At Lake Baldwin Dental, our caring team is here to find the root cause of your sensitivity and provide long-lasting solutions tailored to your needs.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity get in the way of your comfort or your smile. Call us today to schedule your appointment and find relief. Keep smiling, Orlando!
Bonus outtakes from today’s photoshoot!
