If your teeth react to hot or cold foods or drinks, being exposed to air, or any type of pressure, you probably have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth aren’t a new condition, and Red Deer densits are not unfamiliar with it. However, you may think that having sensitive teeth is a cause for panic. This is simply not the case. Sensitive teeth can be cared for. It’s not exactly life-altering like gum-disease, but it is a condition you can be properly educated on.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitive teeth are caused by irritation involving the nerves in the tooth. Nerves become exposed by receding gums or enamel wearing away from the tooth. When either of these things happens, dentin, a softer tissue in your teeth, becomes exposed. Dentin connects to the tooth’s nerve center, so once it’s exposed, it’s unprotected. Anything that comes into contact with it, then, causes sensitive teeth.
So what, exactly, can make your teeth sensitive?
How’s Your Brushing?
A Red Deer Dentist will always recommend that brushing and flossing is the foundation of healthy oral care. But, sometimes, brushing can harm your teeth, especially when you brush too hard. Brushing too hard can erode away your enamel, and repeatedly brushing that hard will, in effect, lead to sensitive teeth.
You really don’t need to scrub your teeth. Most people will hold the toothbrush in their hand and push as hard as they can, scrubbing their teeth like it’s the kitchen floor. This is unnecessary. Instead, hold your toothbrush in your fingertips, and brush in a 45-degree angle in a gentle, circular motion.
Or, alternately, you may want to consider switching toothpastes. You can also switch toothbrushes; if you aren’t using a soft-bristled toothbrush, start doing so. Mouthwashes and other tooth-whitening products can also contribute to sensitive teeth. If you’re unsure, talk to your Red Deer Dentist.
Check Your Diet
The way you eat and drink affects your teeth more than you think. A Red Deer Dentist will be able to spot erosion resulting in a highly acidic diet. Excessively drinking tea, coffee, soft drinks, and citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes, can contribute to the problem. In additions to suggestions made by your Red Deer Dentist, try drinking more water. It can help flush some of the acid from your mouth.
How’s Your Overall Health?
Certain diseases can cause teeth sensitivity, like depression, anorexia, bulimia and acid-reflux disease. Stress can also lead to sensitive teeth. Stress produces more plaque in your mouth, even if the period is short-term.
You may also have a damaged tooth that’s causing other teeth in the vicinity to react to it. The only way to make sure is to make an appointment with Red Deer Dental so that they can tell you the exact cause of your tooth sensitivity.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Your Red Deer Dentist will likely tell you the best course of action to take on how to care for your sensitive teeth. Avoiding acidic food and drinks will also be helpful. As suggested before, drink more water, and switch toothpastes, your toothbrush and your mouthwash. You may want to try desensitizing toothpaste, as these specialize in protecting sensitive teeth.
Likely, you’ll also want to map out a proper oral care plan with your Red Deer Dentist. Remember, brush softly, and brush for at least 2-3 minutes. Be gentle when you’re flossing too.
