How to Care for Sensitive Teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, you may feel pain when your teeth are touched or exposed to hot or cold foods. The condition, called "dentin hypersensitivity," occurs when the roots of teeth become exposed due to gum disease (the most common cause), excessive brushing, aging or tooth grinding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dental Floss
• Electric Toothbrushes
• Extra-soft Toothbrushes
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth

1. See your dentist first. He or she might seal the sensitive area with a bonding agent or prescribe a fluoride gel, which can be rubbed into gums after brushing.
2. Use a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles, and do not brush horizontally, which exposes tooth roots.
3. Switch to a toothpaste formulated especially for sensitive teeth.
4. Avoid stimuli that trigger pain. Hot or cold foods like ice cream and coffee, sweet or sour foods such as lemons and candy, and acidic foods such as wine and grapefruit juice commonly cause problems for people with sensitive teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you grind your teeth, consider stress-reduction techniques such as exercising.
• It is important to visit your dentist first to determine the underlying cause of hypersensitivity, which could be cavities, abscesses or other problems.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a dentist. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional dental advice or treatment.