Wondering how you can care for sensitive teeth? Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors such as infection, decay or injury, and it can interfere with everyday activities. Consider these great solutions to find relief from sensitive teeth:
Use the right toothpaste
One of the best ways to treat tooth sensitivity is to use a toothpaste that’s specifically designed to treat the problem. There are several toothpastes on the market that contain ingredients that temporarily fill holes in enamel and dentin to cover your teeth’s sensitive nerves. Look for a toothpaste with any combination of the following ingredients:
- Potassium nitrate
- Stannous fluoride
- Strontium chloride
Use soft toothbrushes
Do you use a heavy hand when you brush your teeth? You may be doing more harm than good and taking off more than just plaque as you brush. If you brush too hard—and use a hard-bristled toothbrush—you could be brushing away the enamel that protects your teeth. Invest in a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to preserve your enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Avoid certain foods and drinks
The food you eat can attack the enamel that prevents tooth sensitivity. You should avoid acidic foods, high-sugar carbs, sticky candy and sugary drinks such as soda and juice. Snack on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables instead! Dairy products help to fight acid and bacteria that can eat away the enamel on your teeth.
Use high fluoride treatments
If your tooth sensitivity is due to enamel erosion, your Fioritto dentist may prescribe a high-fluoride treatment if you aren’t responding to desensitizing toothpastes. This treatment re-hardens the enamel of your teeth, working to soothe sensitivity and prevent dental caries.
High-fluoride treatments are available by prescription for courses that last up to 3 months. In some cases, you can use an over-the-counter high-fluoride mouthwash—just be sure to ask for your Fioritto dentist’s recommendations.
Use dental sealant treatments
In some cases, your Fioritto dentist may prescribe a dental sealant to heal your sensitive teeth and prevent dental decay. Sealants serve as a protective covering, strengthening enamel and dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity. There are several effective plastic sealants on the market, and the process is pain-free and only takes a few minutes in the dental chair.
Consider a root canal
If the treatments described above do not provide relief from tooth sensitivity, your dentist may suggest a root canal. A root canal treatment removes sensitive nerves from teeth—it’s the only effective remedy for teeth that are painful due to cracks or trauma. While root canal procedures may seem like an extreme measure, it’s necessary if your tooth sensitivity is caused by an infection. Reach out to your Fioritto Family dentist to determine whether this option is right for you.
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, the best thing you can do is to call Fioritto Family Dental today. Don’t ignore your sensitivity because over time it will worsen. Schedule your appointment with Fioritto Family Dental today!