What Can I Do About My Sensitive Teeth? Your Dentist Has Answers!

It’s a mild spring day and you’re out with your family enjoying a delicious serving of ice cream, when all of a sudden, you feel a twinge of discomfort in your front teeth from your cold dessert. You wonder, “Why did this happen – Do I have to avoid ice cream from now on?” Your local dentist says that there are ways to address your sensitive teeth, so that you can once again enjoy life. Learn about them as you read on!

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth can be brought about by a series of problems. Here are some of the more common ones:

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease – Periodontal disease is acute inflammation of the gums, and there are several symptoms that it can bring about – one of them being sensitive teeth. This is due to plaque buildup that has worn down the tooth enamel.
• Aggressive Toothbrushing – Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t clean them any better. Instead, it can wear down your enamel, which is the opposite of what your intentions are.
• Another Cause of Enamel Wear – Your tooth enamel can also be worn down by years of normal use. The outer surface of your ivories endures a bombardment of food particles, digestive acids and others, so over time it can be gradually worn down.

When you visit your local dentist, he’ll be able to identify what the source of the problem is.

How to Address Sensitive Teeth

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to decrease tooth sensitivity:

• Use a different Toothbrush – Look to purchase one of the softer-bristled toothbrushes, so that less damage is done to your enamel and gums.
• Limit Acidic Foods – Because of their acidic nature, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and pineapples could cause more tooth sensitivity, so it’s best to limit their consumption.
• Wear a Mouthguard – Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, it is wearing down your enamel and could compromise the health of several teeth at once. A mouthguard, worn while you sleep, will prevent this from happening and improve your problem with tooth sensitivity.

It’s Worth a Visit

It’s worth taking the time to visit your dentist to have your teeth examined. While there, you’ll also receive a thorough cleaning and checkup, that will explain why your teeth are sensitive, eliminate any guessing and restore your quality of life.

Soon, you’ll once again be able to enjoy your favorite flavor of ice cream!

About the Author

A graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has over two decades of experience practicing dentistry. An advocate of education, he is a current Faculty Club Member at Spear Education and member of several professional organizations. His goal is to teach and empower his patients while providing them with the absolute best care. Dr. Peters can be reached for more information through his website.