Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. Having sensitive teeth can mean a great deal of discomfort, sometimes on a daily basis. Discomfort may be sporadic or constant throughout the day. While it usually comes and goes, it is often directly related to some trigger, such as hot or cold food and drink or pressure applied to the teeth. The good news is there are things you can do to manage the discomfort and protect your teeth.
The clinical term for sensitive teeth is dentin hypersensitivity. It can occur for many reasons, but if the sensitivity is extreme or continuous, you should consult with your dentist. The underlying cause may be related to nerve problems affecting the teeth or may be due to poor oral care resulting in receding gums or gum disease. Bacteria within plaque and tartar can play a major role in causing gums to recede, so the use of a good antibacterial mouthwash may be helpful. Also, use a fluoride rinse with a high concentration of fluoride to help protect against plaque build up.
There are kits available for people with sensitive teeth, which offer toothpastes and other care products designed especially for sensitivity problems. A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth will generally include an agent to deaden pain at the roots. A kit may also supply a soft toothbrush or a gentle electric toothbrush to help you avoid brushing too hard. Brushing too strenuously can damage teeth, so taking care to brush more gently is an important step.
Another step you can take to protect sensitive teeth and limit pain is to avoid foods and drinks with high levels of acidity. The main culprits are soft drinks and tea, as well as various citrus fruits or foods and beverages with high concentrations of citric acid. To prevent sensitive teeth, avoid these items or immediately clean your teeth after consuming them, rather than allowing acids to sit on your teeth.
If you try everything but still suffer from sensitive teeth, ask your dentist about other treatment options. He or she may apply a substance directly to the roots to help ease your pain or apply prescription-strength fluoride treatments. He or she may also decide to bond your teeth to protect porous surfaces from damage or from penetration by foods and bacteria.