Sensitive teeth can make it impossible to enjoy your favorite foods or beverages, and even interfere with your comfort during meals. Depending on the type of sensitivity that you’re experiencing, there may be various causes. Classic examples include whitening products, tooth decay, cavities or gum recession. Here are 4 ways you can help combat teeth sensitivity or keep it from getting worse.
Fluoride is your best friend
A professionally administered fluoride varnish can eliminate sensitivity symptoms for as long as 3 months. Not to mention, fluoride helps strengthen weak enamel and decalcify the minerals inside of the teeth. Sensitivity toothpastes can also help, but results can take as long as 2 weeks to achieve.
Pay careful attention to which whitening products you use
Using over the counter whitening products, even whitening toothpaste, can cause significant sensitivity issues. Most of these products are one-size-fits-some, and that means whitening gel can get onto the gums or surfaces of the teeth that aren’t necessary. A custom whitening kit or similar professional whitening product available through our office is customized to minimize sensitivity while also providing more dramatic results than anything that you can purchase over the counter.
Stay away from cold items such as ice
Some people simply have oversensitive teeth compared to others, but if you have several metallic restorations in your mouth then cold drinks may react with the metal and create a lingering effect. Orthodontic patients that wear traditional metal braces can vouch for this!
Watch out for sensitivity to pressure when chewing, sweet foods, or hot items
Sweet and hot sensitivities are a red flag for cavity or nerve damage to the tooth. If you begin experiencing either one of these symptoms you should contact Dr. Lordo as soon as possible to schedule treatment. Pressure sensitivity can indicate that there is bone loss or an abscess, and treatment should not be delayed, as there is a risk for tooth loss.
If your teeth are sensitive they are probably trying to tell you something. If sensitivity doesn’t go away, then it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lordo to make sure something more serious is not going on. Changing toothpastes or avoiding certain foods will usually show improvement within just a few days.