What You Can Do For Sensitive Teeth

At the Dallas Center for Complex Dentistry, we not only want to give patients a smile they’re proud of, but provide them with excellent oral health tips that will last a lifetime. Everyone experiences some degree of tooth sensitivity in their life, whether it’s triggered by ice cream or masking a more serious dental issue. It’s caused by the deterioration of enamel or recession of gums, which exposes the nerve of the tooth. Fortunately, there are a couple of different ways to alleviate sensitivity.

Visit Your Dentist

It’s important to find out if your sensitivity is coming from an underlying dental issue or is temporary. Usually, it comes from temperature changes in hot or cold foods, but tooth sensitivity could also be caused by cavities, tooth decay, infection, or gum disease. If you think that you have any of those conditions, schedule an appointment with your Dallas dentist to be examined. Dr. Rodriguez can provide a variety of treatment options, such as a fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen the weakened areas.

Use The Right Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth every day is critical to your oral health, but scrubbing them too aggressively can also irritate teeth. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and an accompanying toothpaste with low levels of abrasives to continue to remove plaque and debris from your teeth without hurting them. Those with sensitive teeth should avoid over brushing their teeth, as the recommended twice a day is plenty for a healthy mouth.

Using a fluoride-rich toothpaste can also help relieve sensitivity, as fluoride works to strengthen the enamel that protects that nerves of the teeth. Be sure to use short and gentle strokes while holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle.

Avoid Acidic Foods & Drinks

The acids in carbonated soda and orange juice can wear down tooth enamel, your biggest line of defense against sensitivity. Drinking through a straw to reduce contact with teeth can help prevent pain, but it’s best to avoid these drinks all together. Nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, and some yogurts also contain high acidity levels. It’s easy to find other snacks and drinks to substitute into your diet to prevent the discomfort from occurring.

Visit The Dallas Center For Complex Dentistry Today!

If you have any questions about tooth sensitivity, or any of our other services, contact our office at 972‑934‑8898. We proudly provide the finest treatments in cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontics for patients living in the communities of Dallas and Richardson, Texas.