Tooth sensitivity is the worst. It can really ruin a good ice cream social. Even a crisp winter breeze can send your teeth into ouch mode.
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics we often help treat patients who suffer from painful tooth sensitivity. Endodontic treatment will go into the sensitive dentin of your tooth and remove the nerve causing the pain.
If your dentist has discovered that your teeth are sensitive due to a serious dental problem, we can help with that too. Talk with your dentist about your tooth sensitivity problems and endodontic treatment. Together we can help find a solution that will get you back to enjoying your favorite iced or frozen beverages.
Here are a few things that people who deal with sensitive teeth can relate to.
1. Carefully planned brushing routines.
One of the best ways to prevent tooth sensitivity is to maintain good dental hygiene habits. Those who are prone to tooth sensitivity take their dental hygiene to the next level.
Choosing a toothpaste isn’t just about flavor and whitening benefits. To help sensitive teeth, you have to find the right sensitive toothpaste. Also, whitening your smile is more difficult because most teeth whitening products, although safe for most users, tend to irritate teeth that are prone to sensitivity. If you want a pearly white smile, you have to do some research, and moderate how much whitening product you use.
2. Brushing with care.
Planning out your brushing routine doesn’t stop at choosing the right toothpaste and whitening products. You need to plan enough time to carefully brush each tooth gently, in a circular motion. Aggressive brushing can wear down the outer protective layer of your tooth, exposing the sensitive dentin in the center.
And you never forget to floss.
3. Flossing is a MUST.
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of dental issues, so you take the importance of flossing to heart. You floss every day to make sure excess plaque doesn’t build up and cause decay to your ever-so precious enamel.
4. Avoiding acidic food.
Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by eating too much acidic food. You tend to say “no” to soft drinks or drinks with lots of sugar. If you do drink a beverage with a low pH level, you drink water right after to help rinse the extra acid off your teeth.
5. You keep a tooth sensitivity journal.
If you suffer from tooth sensitivity on a regular basis, you are ready to get to the bottom of the problem and end the pain. It’s helpful for your dentist to know when you experience sensitivity and what seems to help.
To keep track of your pain, you write down the day and time you experience pain from cold or hot foods and beverages. You also keep track of what seems to help the pain.
