Are you experiencing an unusual amount of tooth pain? You could be experiencing heightened sensitivity. Whether it’s a chilly bite of ice cream hitting your enamel, or a piece of chewy or hard candy affecting some previous bacterial buildup, you’re probably most likely to notice tooth sensitivity when you eat and drink. Ouch!
So, what exactly is tooth sensitivity, anyway? Each and every one of our teeth is, to put it simply, enamel-covered tissue. When that enamel breaks down, or is affected by erosion, the sensitive tissue has less protection, causing you to have more of a reaction in your mouth to temperatures and textures.
Luckily, there are some techniques that can help lessen the pain!
- Make sure to only use soft-bristled toothbrushes, and be aware of how hard you’re brushing. When you brush your teeth, pretend you’re polishing a tomato. Brushing any harder could be damaging!
- Be aware of any clenching or grinding habits, and consider asking your dentist about mouth guard to sleep in.
- Cut down on particularly acidic food and drinks.
- Of course, continue to brush and floss for two minutes twice a day, and have regular dental checkups so no cavities sneak up on you!
If you’re greatly experiencing teeth sensitivity, talk to your dentist. There are special toothpastes that can help with the pain, and fluoride treatments available in office and to take home. Sensitive teeth can affect your mood and your smile, so if you are experiencing such hardships, reach out to your dentist to get back on track to less painful teeth!