Having sensitive teeth turns eating and drinking—things most people take for granted—into ordeals that can be highly uncomfortable and even painful. People who suffer from this condition often have to avoid hot and cold foods, acidic foods, and all types of sugar. When it comes to tooth sensitivity, the best solution is preventative care. That means twice-daily brushing with soft bristles, flossing regularly, and getting frequent checkups and cleanings at a dental office.

But what if you already have tooth sensitivity? Thankfully, there are many options to significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. At 101st Adult Dentistry, we see many patients everyday who have sensitive teeth, and we always recommend that they follow these five steps for preventing additional sensitivity and reducing the pain and discomfort they feel when eating or drinking:

Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. For good oral hygiene, brushing is one of the most important things you can do. But not all toothpastes are created equal. For example, some toothpastes may be too abrasive for people with sensitive teeth. Toothpastes with abrasive materials, such as whitening toothpastes, can wear down enamel, making teeth more sensitive. Toothpastes designed for sensitivity contain fluoride, which helps build a repairing layer over damaged teeth.

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. While all dentists recommend regular brushing, it’s possible to damage your teeth by overbrushing. People who brush with too much force—especially if they use hard or medium-bristle brushes—can damage their teeth. Over time, the abrasive action of their toothpaste and toothbrushes can cause enamel to break down, exposing teeth to sensitivity triggers.

Stay away from acidic foods and drinks. Reversing tooth sensitivity requires being careful with your teeth and giving them ample time to recover from damage. Acidic foods and drinks, such as berries, citrus fruits, and coffee can result in tooth decay and loss of enamel on your teeth. In addition to being uncomfortable to eat or drink when you already have sensitive teeth, acidic foods and beverages can quickly make the problem even worse.

Protect your gums. Healthy gums often mean healthy teeth. When gums are damaged, people can feel it and see it in their teeth—and sensitivity is a primary symptom of poor gum health. You can keep your gums from receding by practicing excellent oral hygiene, quitting smoking, and getting your teeth thoroughly cleaned by a dentist. Surgical procedures are also available to help reverse the course of gum recession in many patients.

Treat and prevent the effects of teeth grinding at night. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a damaging condition that involves clenching the jaw muscles and teeth together. It often happens at night and can result in serious damage to teeth. People with bruxism can reduce the impact of the condition by wearing mouth guards at night while they sleep.

101st Adult Dentistry is Clarksville Tennessee’s Choice for Treating Tooth Sensitivity

Treating and preventing tooth sensitivity isn’t always possible on your own. Some patients need help from a dental office. At 101st Adult Dentistry, we’re ready to help you repair the damage to your teeth and reduce or eliminate the pain and discomfort you feel when eating or drinking. Whether you need a cosmetic dentist or a periodontist, you can count on us to help. Contact us at (931) 906-8800 or request an appointment online today!