5 Things You Can Do About Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are quickly becoming a widespread dental issue. Current statistics report that one-in-eight patients at any family dental center in Houston report experiencing some level of tooth sensitivity.

What Creates Sensitive Teeth?

It can be unnerving to wake up one day and feel like your teeth became intensely sensitive overnight. In truth, the condition progresses over time as a result of degrading tooth enamel or receding gums, creating exposure areas.

It can happen in such small increments you may not even notice your tolerance for the transition until full exposure of a certain area or nerve happens.

Symptoms

Pain is the number one symptom. However, the pain isn’t dull or consistent; it’s often sharp and in response to a temperature stimulus. Significantly hot or cold foods and beverages will instigate your pain response.

Treatment

Although you may have to deal with some level of sensitivity, there are many ways to combat the pain and prevent it from worsening.

Choose the Right Toothbrush

The current dental trend is electronic and sensor-based toothbrushes. They’re very effective for many people, however if you have a super-sensitive gum line and exposed areas, they may not be the right choice for you.

Choose a soft toothbrush and be gentle, yet thorough, when you brush. It may take you a bit longer than the majority of power brush users, but you’ll feel less discomfort and effectively clean your mouth. Your general dentist near Houston can counsel you on the right brush for your mouth.

Choose the Right Toothpaste

A walk down the toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming. There are so many choices! Talk to the best general dentist in Houston, TX. After an initial evaluation, they’ll recommend a sensitive toothpaste that’s having excellent results for their other patients.

Commit to Your Oral Hygiene

The only way to prevent the pain from worsening is to be proactive with your daily oral hygiene routine. You want to prevent your gum line from receding any further, as this will only cause you more, and worse, pain in the future.

General practice dentistry in Houston recommends you floss and brush at least twice-daily to combat your current level of sensitivity and begin the long process of gum restoration.

Add Fluoride

Often, we think of fluoride as something just for kids. This isn’t true. Using a toothpaste and a mouthwash with fluoride will have the same effect on your adult teeth. It’s not an overnight fix, but over time, it will strengthen the remaining enamel on your teeth.

Modify Your Diet

If you’re dealing with pain-reactive sensitive than you know which foods and beverages make it worse. It’s a good idea to remove those items from your diet for a spell, slowly reintroducing them over time as you feel able.

And, of course, visit the family dental center in Houston for bi-annual cleanings. You can take charge of your mouth pain and overall oral health with the help of a professional.