If you find yourself suffering from painful sensations in your teeth when doing everyday activities such as brushing, eating, or drinking, you’ve likely wondered what you can do about it. After all, tooth sensitivity can be excruciating at its worst, resulting in a disruption to your daily life. Tooth sensitivity results from various causes, ranging from cracks in your teeth to improper brushing techniques. Regardless, one thing remains the same: sensitive teeth are painful and frustrating. Nobody likes shooting pain regularly disrupting their daily activities.

Despite how awful sensitive teeth can be, this problem can be treated effectively. Today, our professionals here at Advanced Indiana will be offering you some ways to deal with tooth sensitivity. If you’re looking to eliminate tooth sensitivity as quickly as possible, the following tips will be lifesavers for you. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The number one best way to deal with tooth sensitivity is to make an effort to practice good oral hygiene. Improper brushing techniques can cause tooth sensitivity because brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or excessive brushing wears down the enamel over time. Unfortunately, without this protective layer of enamel, your teeth will be exposed to liquids, food, and air, leading to extreme pain and tooth sensitivity.

While we all know that good oral hygiene is critical for a healthy smile, it can also go a long way in reducing discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity. Our dentists highly recommend investing in a soft-bristled toothbrush if you’re suffering from sensitive teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush will effectively clean plaque and food residue off the teeth without damaging the enamel.

2. Reduce the Risk of Tooth Sensitivity by Avoiding Acidic Foods and Beverages

Did you know that some foods and beverages can make food sensitivity much worse? That’s right, some foods and beverages should be consumed minimally or avoided entirely to treat tooth sensitivity. So, what should you be on the lookout for? Well, acidic foods and beverages are the main culprits.

Be wary of what you consume if you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity! Acidic foods and beverages such as sodas, fruit, pickles, and coffee can increase tooth sensitivity. If you’ve mainly noticed that the shooting pain in your teeth occurs when you’re eating acidic foods, avoid them altogether. Additionally, avoiding foods and beverages that are frozen or extremely hot can also go a long way in reducing sensitivity.

3. Get Cracked Teeth Treated Immediately

Have you noticed any cracks in your teeth? Unfortunately, cracked teeth act as pathways for bacteria and other substances (like the things we eat and drink) to get inside the tooth, making their way to the center. When these bacteria and substances find their way to the center of the tooth, they sit right near the nerve endings, resulting in incredibly uncomfortable sensitivity. For this reason, you should get your cracked teeth treated by your dentist the moment that you notice them.

The longer you wait to have your cracked teeth treated, the more likely you are to experience near unbearable pain. Always be proactive when it comes to treating tooth sensitivity by knowing what causes it and acting accordingly. You’ll be glad you did when you’re able to avoid tooth sensitivity.

4. Use Toothpaste Made for Tooth Sensitivity

Another great way to treat tooth sensitivity right from the comfort of your own home is to use toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth. When it comes to symptom relief, there are few better options. Most kinds of toothpaste made for sensitive teeth contain an ingredient known for filling tiny holes in the enamel of your teeth, as well as dentin. These ingredients reduce the possible amount of exposure that the nerves of your teeth will receive, cutting down on the possibility of pain. It should also be noted that you should avoid whitening toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, as this usually only increases the pain.

5. Use Fluoride

Finally, those suffering from tooth sensitivity would do well to consider using a fluoride application in their regular oral hygiene routine. When most people think of using fluoride, they think of it as a treatment for children. While this is undoubtedly true, fluoride applications can be significantly impactful for adults dealing with tooth sensitivity. See, fluoride treatments restore vital minerals in the enamel of your teeth. Over time, this helps to improve the layer of enamel needed to protect your teeth from decay and bacteria, all while decreasing the amount of sensitivity you’re likely to experience.

Fluoride can go a long way in helping you to deal with the pain caused by tooth sensitivity! According to the American Dental Association, the recommended frequency of fluoride application is every three, six, or twelve months depending on your overall oral health. You can apply fluoride either in the form of a varnish or gel or a fluoride rinse that you may be prescribed to use at home daily.

Prevent the Pain of Tooth Sensitivity with Advanced Indiana

Whether you find yourself currently suffering from tooth sensitivity or you’re looking for the best means of avoiding it in the future, Advanced Indiana is here to help! Here’s a bonus way to eliminate the pain of tooth sensitivity from your life: see your dentist regularly! Not only do regular professional dental cleanings keep your teeth sparkling, but they also protect against cavities, the development of plaque, and gum recession, all of which are known to lead to tooth sensitivity.

Regardless of what is causing your tooth sensitivity, our knowledgeable dental staff has the necessary tools to rid you of your pain. Contact us today or request an appointment online to get started. We want to help you get on the path to better oral health, and we look forward to becoming your dedicated dental practice!

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