How to Desensitize Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth don't have to make you miserable.

There's nothing more irritating than a sensitive tooth. A person can't eat or drink anything cool, too sour or hot with sensitive teeth. Teeth have four layers, the outer enamel, inner dentin, pulp and cementum. Teeth become sensitive if the outer enamel cover wears off and the food you eat comes in direct contact with the dentin tubules. There's no permanent solution for the problem, however, various clinical and home remedies are effective in relieving the sensitivity. Keeping teeth clean by brushing twice a day helps prevent sensitive teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Fluoride rinse
• Soft tooth brush
• Desensitizing toothpaste

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth twice daily with desensitizing toothpaste.

2. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the teeth. This helps prevent the enamel from further damage. A primary reason for enamel hypoplasia (reduced quality of enamel) is brushing the teeth too hard. Replace your toothbrush every two months.

3. Rinse your mouth well with a fluoride rinse after brushing your teeth. Swish the fluoride rinse around your teeth for 30 seconds. A dentist-prescribed fluoride varnish may also be used for this purpose.

4. Dab desensitizing toothpaste with a cotton ball and rub it on the sensitive areas. Leave the toothpaste on your teeth overnight and rinse your mouth in the morning.

5. Avoid cool drinks, tobacco, ice cream and sweets for a few days. Rinse your mouth after every meal. The situation should improve within two weeks. If not, consult a dentist. You may have a decaying tooth.

6. Use fluoride-mixed toothpaste for a month to desensitize the teeth quickly. Sometimes the teeth will feel extra sensitive after a root canal or dental checkup.

References

• University of Iowa: Enamel Hypoplasia: Causes and Treatment Options
• The University of Texas: Health Leader: Phil Montgomery et al: April 2004