What Helps Sensitive Teeth?

Regular dental checkups help prevent decay from causing nerve damage.

If you have sensitive teeth, simple things like ice cream and daily flossing can be painful. A number of conditions can cause tooth sensitivity such as cracks, decay or loss of the protective dental coating known as enamel. Damage exposes nerve endings that tunnel outward from your tooth center to the surface. Treating tooth sensitivity is best done with the help of your dentist to eliminate serious causes such as decay or gum disease.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Certain toothpastes effectively stop sensations between the surface of your tooth and the nerve endings. Multiple applications are necessary before the desensitizing effects occur. Discuss which brand or type of desensitizing toothpaste is most appropriate for your needs with your dentist.

Sealants

For additional protection, your dentist may apply sealants to your affected teeth. Your dentist will paint the sealant over your tooth using a solution made from liquid plastic that hardens after drying and molds to your tooth. Sealants can be expensive and should be discussed with your dentist as part of an overall treatment plan.

Wear a Mouth Gaurd

Many people unknowingly grind their teeth while asleep, eliminating the outer layer of enamel and causing sensitivity. Wearing a plastic mouth guard while sleeping complements other sensitive-teeth measures like desensitizing toothpaste or sealants. If teeth grinding is largely responsible for the loss of enamel, topical treatments will only buy more time, not fix the problem.

Avoid Certain Foods

Highly acidic and sugary foods can slowly deteriorate your tooth enamel. Frequently sucking on hard candy, and consuming extremely sour or extremely sweet foods all contribute to the increase in enamel-eating acid. Inadequate enamel exposes your nerves, causing pain while eating hold or cold foods. Avoiding both highly acidic, hot and cold foods can alleviate some of the immediate discomfort.

References

• American Dental Association: Sensitive Teeth
• Crest-Pro Health: What You Should Know About Sensitive Teeth
• WebMD: Dental Health and Sensative Teeth