woman with sensitive teeth eating a popsicle

5 Things to Do About Sensitive Teeth: Tips for a Pain-Free Smile

Tooth sensitivity can be a real pain – literally!

Whether it’s a sudden jolt of pain when you take a bite of ice cream or a constant ache, sensitive teeth can impact your daily life.

If you’re wondering what to do about sensitive teeth, here are 5 tips to help you achieve a pain-free smile.

RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A TEETH CLEANING COST?

1. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

electric toothbrush surrounded by hard bristle manual toothbrushes -a soltuion for what to do about sensitive tteth

Did you know that your tooth pain can simply be from brushing too hard?

It’s true! The Wall Street Journal reports that 10% and 12% of the population have damaged their teeth or gums due to over-brushing.

The fix: If you’re using a hard-bristled toothbrush, switch to a soft-bristled one instead. Or, if the intensity is the issue, try brushing your teeth gently in a circular motion to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.

RELATED: THE 4 BEST ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES BASED ON YOUR ORAL HEALTH

2. Desensitizing Toothpaste

sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Toothpaste like Sensodyne uses ingredients potassium nitrate to help with vulnerable teeth and gums. Studies have shown time and time again that “brushing twice daily with a 5% potassium nitrate/sodium fluoride toothpaste may help reduce discomfort arising from dentinal hypersensitivity.”

The fix: Use desensitizing toothpaste for 4 weeks or more to feel a difference in your sensitivity levels. 

3. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

food that is bad for your teeth (a pile of cookies, chips, muffins, gummy bears, etc)

Some foods are good for your teeth, but some are bad for your teeth.

Foods and drinks high in acid, sugar, or starch feed the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth.

The fix: Try to limit your consumption of soda, citrus fruits, and other acidic foods and drinks. If you do have them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

RELATED: FOOD THAT IS BAD FOR YOUR TEETH

4. Wear a Mouthguard

man getting a mouthguard for his teeth sensitivity

Teeth grinding or clenching can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity.

The fix: Talk to your dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard. They work better than over-the-counter guards and are way more comfortable!

5. Visit Your Dentist

what to do about hot sensitivity - woman with teeth sensitivity holding her drink after drinking coffee

You must see your dentist if your tooth sensitivity is severe or persistent. They can identify the underlying cause of your sensitivity and recommend the best treatment.

Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown, or other dental procedure to help protect your teeth.

Remember to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy and strong!

FAQS

What is the cause of sensitive teeth?

Sensitive teeth occur when the layer of enamel that protects your teeth wears down, exposing the sensitive nerves underneath. This can be caused by various factors, including brushing too hard, gum recession, teeth grinding, acidic foods and drinks, and dental procedures.

Why are my teeth sensitive all of a sudden?

If you’re experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to identify the cause.

It could be due to a recent dental procedure, such as a filling or crown. Or it could result from gum recession or tooth decay.

Acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, and even stress can contribute to sudden tooth sensitivity.

Can sensitive teeth go away?

The good news is that, in many cases, sensitive teeth can go away with the proper care.

The tips below can help alleviate the discomfort of sensitive teeth and may even help repair some of the damage that has been done.

How do you get rid of sensitive teeth naturally?

There are a few natural remedies that can help with sensitive teeth!

One tip is to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently. You can also try desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block the pain signals from your teeth.

Oil pulling, a technique where you swish coconut oil around your mouth, has also been said to help soothe sensitive teeth.

If your pain or sensitivity doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. 

How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately

When you’re experiencing sudden sensitive tooth pain, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the discomfort.

  1. First, try holding an ice pack or cold compress against your cheek, which can help numb the area.
  2. Try using a desensitizing gel.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relief medication. 
  4. Avoid hot and cold foods for a few hours.

To know more about what you should do about sensitive teeth, ask a dentist! Schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Lasry. If you’re in Los Angeles, give us a call at 310-734-7705. 

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