AdminThe winter months can often bring on a sharp zinging pain in your teeth, and if this is happening to you more frequently than not, it might be time to see your dentist for some treatment options. Luckily, there are several different treatments for sensitive teeth that can help relieve your pain. Robina Dental
1. Try a toothpaste with desensitizing ingredients
Sensitive teeth occur when the tooth’s outer layer (the enamel) wears down or is exposed to the underlying tooth (dentin) for other reasons, such as gum recession or cavities and cracks. This exposing of dentin allows stimuli, including cold, hot and sweet foods, to reach the inner tooth pulp, which can cause pain.
2. Use a mouthwash with capsaicin to reduce inflammation and pain
Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain symptoms caused by sensitive teeth. Your dentist may prescribe capsaicin mouthwash or a topical gel.
3. Use fluoride varnish to reduce sensitivity
Fluoride fills the small holes in tooth enamel that allow irritants to enter your teeth. It can be a great way to reduce sensitivity, but this treatment is only available through your dentist’s office and may not work for everyone.
4. Avoid certain foods and drinks that aggravate your sensitivity
A diet rich in acidic foods and drinks can make your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. This is especially true of coffee, sodas and other fizzy drinks that can trigger your sensitivity.
5. Avoid whitening toothpastes, strips and treatments
Whitening products can increase your sensitivity by causing more abrasion on the exposed dentin pores that can cause pain when you eat hot or cold foods.
6. Avoid brushing your teeth too hard
Brushing your teeth too hard can damage the enamel on your teeth, which leads to sensitivity. Your dentist will recommend a brush that’s gentle enough to remove plaque and tartar without damaging the enamel.
7. Consult your dentist for a professional cleaning and x-rays
Having a regular dental checkup and a thorough x-ray will ensure that there are no issues with your teeth that might be causing sensitivity, such as cavities or gum disease.
8. If you have a cracked tooth or other serious issue, consider dental bonding to cover up the areas of your teeth that are triggering your sensitivity.
9. Talk to your dentist about other treatments if your sensitivity does not improve after a few weeks of home remedies and changes in your oral care routine.
10. Take steps to prevent future sensitivity by avoiding acidic and sugary foods and beverages, drinking plenty of water, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
11. Ask your dentist about desensitizing toothpaste
The most common treatment for sensitive teeth is desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that shield nerve endings from irritants that can cause pain. It works by blocking pain signals that travel from your tooth’s root to your brain.
Your dentist will recommend a desensitizing toothpaste for you to try, depending on the severity of your sensitivity and other factors. It can take a few applications before you experience any noticeable improvement, so be patient and stick with it until you get results.