Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity: Tips for Pain Relief and Prevention

Do you have dental pain when you eat, drink, or clean your teeth?

If so, you may have questioned how you may help deal with sensitive teeth to make them pain-free.

There are numerous issues that might lead to sensitive teeth. The good news is that there are effective ways to lessen dental sensitivity.

Why Do Tooth Get Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity can occur due to various factors, not necessarily poor oral hygiene.

Habits that contribute to tooth sensitivity include:

• Using a hard toothbrush
• Overbrushing teeth /incorrect method of brushing
• Eating acidic foods
• Grinding during sleep
• Tooth decay, chipping, cracking
• Tooth bleaching
• Post-dental procedure sensitivity
• Acid reflux
• Bulimia

If you do any of the above, you are more likely to develop mouth sensitivity.

Reduce your risk of damage by minimising these habits, and you will have less sensitivity when eating and drinking.

Tooth Sensitivity Signs and Symptoms

The main symptom of sensitive teeth is sensitivity, but you may also suffer other signs that make it difficult to eat, drink, and do your daily activities.

The following things may cause discomfort and sensitivity in your teeth:

• Brushing your teeth.
• Flossing your teeth.
• Mouthwash containing alcohol.
• Breathing in cold air from your surroundings.
• Sweet meals and beverages.
• Acidic foods and drinks.
• Hot foods and beverages, including coffee, soup, and meals.
• Cold foods, beverages, frozen snacks, and fruits.

Sometimes, your teeth may be more prone to damage, while other times, you can carry on with your everyday activities. Oral sensitivity can fluctuate, being worse on occasion.

However, you should still get dental care to address the underlying issue with your sensitive teeth.

How Do You Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

To reduce tooth sensitivity, consult a dentist for products and treatments. They can help you understand the best options for your specific needs.

Here are a few examples of different treatments your dentist might suggest.

Soft Toothbrushes

Switching to a soft toothbrush can prevent tooth damage and minimise sensitivity during dental procedures. Hard toothbrushes can cause more damage, while soft toothbrushes can help recover.

Special Toothpaste

Using toothpaste designed specifically for treating tooth sensitivity can help with symptom relief.

Most of these toothpaste contains an ingredient that temporarily fills tiny holes in your enamel and dentin. This reduces the amount of time your teeth’s sensitive nerves are exposed.

Taking Care of the Root Causes

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity treatments are insufficient to resolve the problem because there may be underlying causes of tooth pain.

Examples of remedies for the following tooth pain causes are provided below:

• Bulimia and acid reflux: acid reduction – To make stomach acid less harmful to your teeth, your dentist may prescribe acid reducers.
• Avoiding gum recession – A soft toothbrush will be given to you by your dentist if you are experiencing gum recession due to overbrushing to give your gums time to heal.
• Reducing teeth grinding – To stop you from grinding at night, your dentist can give you a mouthguard. They may also advise you to examine your stress levels and reduce caffeine intake, which could factor in your grinding.

By addressing the root of your hypersensitivity, you can lessen the risk of your condition getting worse.

Prescription Medicines

A dental hypersensitivity prescription may be given to you by your dentist when you visit.

They might offer you a fluoride treatment, which they will apply directly to your teeth to repair the enamel. They might also prescribe you a fluoride treatment that you can use at home.

Root canal treatment

In cases of extreme sensitivity, it might be suggested. When other treatments have failed to relieve severe tooth sensitivity, this is the last resort.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Here are tips to prevent tooth sensitivity:

• Maintain good oral hygiene by changing your brush every 3-4 months, using a soft-bristled brush, and using toothpaste with fluoride.
• Remember to floss regularly. Regular flossing lessens tooth sensitivity by removing plaque and food particles between teeth.
• Cut down on acidic foods and drinks like coffee, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, and yoghurt because they can erode tooth enamel.
• Drink a glass of milk after consuming acidic foods to neutralise the acid’s effects.
• Wear a mouth guard if grinding while sleeping to prevent fractures and sensitivity.
• Regularly visit your dental professional for regular check-ups.

Sensitive Tooth Solutions in Hoppers Crossing

Sensitive teeth pain relief varies based on cause and oral health history; consult a dentist for personalised treatment options.

Don’t let teeth sensitivity stop you from doing what you love!

At Sayers Dental Aesthetics & Implants, we offer various treatment options for sensitive teeth to keep your smile pain- and worry-free.

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Exam, clean, BWs, Flouride and treatment plan for only $159

Visit your Hoppers Crossing dentist today!

Contact us at (03) 9749 1178 or make your appointment online.

Visit us at 483 Sayers Road in Hoppers Crossing.