People between the age of 20-40 usually develop sensitive teeth. This condition is a result of worn-out tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots or overall oral sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity can be detected when one experiences pain or discomfort in gums or teeth after consuming certain food at a given temperature such as hot tea or ice cream.
Though it is not a very harmful issue but can turn into one if some things are not watched out for.
Grinding
Teeth Grinding refers to a condition where one grinds their teeth leading to chipping and weakening of one’s tooth enamel causing sensitivity.
Most people grind their teeth out of stress or anxiety and many times at night in their sleep.
To avoid grinding your teeth which can further increase your teeth sensitivity, try a mouthguard while sleeping. This will prevent grinding and also assist in experiencing sound sleep.
Specific Foods
It is important to avoid foods of extreme temperature if you have sensitive teeth to limit discomfort. There are particular foods that you might need to cut out in order to experience relief from sensitivity pain:
- Hot and cold foods: Avoid extremely hot coffee or iced drinks and ice cream.
- Hard and sticky foods: Stay away from candy or any food that puts pressure on your already sensitive teeth and might stick to them and your gums, promoting further discomfort.
- Acidic foods and beverages: Many foods contain acids in them and avoiding or limiting certain foods will help you feel at ease. These include lemons or citrus fruits. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks as they tend to irritate exposed tooth nerves.
Excessive Whitening
Teeth whitening can cause your teeth to temporarily become sensitive but not being mindful of the whitening products can result in a chronic problem. So avoid any concentrated whitening products like whitening strips.
To make whitening for sensitive teeth less painful and safe, always use a trusted and scientifically-tested product like Smile Brilliant’s teeth whitening trays. Follow it up with good oral hygiene.
Type of Oral Hygiene Products
Most people are ignorant of the compatibility of the products they use for their oral hygiene and their oral needs. People who have sensitive teeth must avoid toothpastes that are too harsh. Instead, they should use organic and milder toothpaste that enables enamel restoration and is made especially for sensitive teeth.
Similarly, it’s best to avoid brushes with hard bristles to protect your gums from bleeding and teeth enamel from eroding.
For further hygiene, fluoride products made for sensitive teeth, such as mouthwash, can help relieve the pain caused by teeth sensitivity.
Gum Disease
Many times it’s not the teeth enamel that is the cause of the sensitivity but rather a more serious issue with the gums. Sometimes plaque or tartar can build up around your gums forcing them back and causing a disease to set in.
In such a case, the best course of action is to seek professional help from a dentist and get a deep clean done. Surgery could also be needed if the problem is serious.
Further, avoid sugary foods that can add to the build-up and avoid smoking as well.
Conclusion
Sensitive teeth for many are a result of their oral hygiene and dietary habits. Very rarely it happens to be genetic.
Nevertheless, it is a treatable and economically manageable condition. Being aware of what triggers the discomfort for you can help you better prepare for what your teeth need.
Seeking professional help upon experiencing any symptoms of sensitivity can help you get relief faster and more efficiently. If going to a dentist is not viable, watching out for the things provided above can also give you some comfort.
