Ladies, did you know that you are more prone from sensitive teeth than men?
In a recent study, it is reported that most adult suffer from this condition and women suffer the condition the most than men. Therefore, if your mind is screaming for ice cream but your teeth is screaming in pain, that is a sign of sensitive teeth. The discomfort and pain that sensitive teeth bring deprives you from eating sumptuous meals that you want, including ice cream.
Sensitive teeth happens when dentin is exposed. Dentin is composed of several tubules or openings with nerve branches that lead to the nerve center of the tooth called pulp. If the protected layer of dentin is removed, it causes teeth sensitivity. This dental condition occurs when you have tooth decay; aggressive brushing, cracked tooth filling and tartar build up due to poor oral hygiene.
In severe cases, teeth sensitivity occur when bigger tooth structures are damaged, it exposes the pulp. Once this nerve center of the tooth exposes, this creates further pain.
Apart from tooth damages, gum problems can also be a source of your sensitivity. You have gum sensitivity when your gum is reddish in appearance, swelling, and bleeding, causing more pain. You cannot ignore these signs because it may cause you serious gum problems.
So, how do you manage this condition without depriving yourself from your next gastronomic indulgence? Tooth expert shares ways to manage sensitive teeth.
Use soft-bristled toothbrush. Using toothbrush with hard bristles as well as aggressive tooth brushing can contribute to receding gums, which expose dentin, the super-sensitive tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Exposing this tissue leads to pain and sensitivity.
Choose fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride. This special formula blocks the tubes in the teeth that are connected to the nerve, reducing the pain.
Perfect your brushing technique. It seems that brushing your teeth can be a simple activity but it is not. Incorrect brushing of teeth can lead to many oral problems including teeth sensitivity. Brushing back and forth motion is inappropriate way of brushing. Doing this can lead you to sensitive teeth and receding gums. The proper way of doing it is by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and brush in a circular motion. Do not be too hard or too aggressive in brushing them, it can wear down the tooth’s surface and expose sensitive spots that leads to sensitive teeth. Ease up on brushing when the bristles are mashed against your teeth and pointing in different directions. Proper and gentle brushing of your teeth is necessary to prevent sensitive teeth.
Rinse with warm water. Instead of cold water, use warm water to rinse. Warm water won’t decrease sensitivity but it will make you feel better, preventing the cringe.
Go easy on bleach. If you want to maintain your teeth white, whiten them no more than once every 6 months to avert the pain. Using whitening treatment for your teeth too often can increase tooth sensitivity and pain.
Be selective with what you eat and drink. Eating acidic foods and drinking acidic beverages on a regular basis erode the tooth’s enamel, increasing the risk of sensitive teeth. Instead of drinking soda, coffee, energy drink and fruit juice, drink more water. If you cannot help but drink something acidic, use a straw when consuming this kind of beverage. This will minimize exposure to acid. After drinking, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the pH. Wait for 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. Meanwhile, when you eat tomatoes and citrus fruits, make sure to eat them in moderation.
Visit your dentist twice a year. Regular professional teeth cleaning should be done every six months. Keep in mind that sensitive teeth and gums may be indicators of more serious oral health condition; thus, regular visit to your dentist is strongly recommended.
