How to look after sensitive teeth
You probably know all about sensitive skin. The kind that bakes in the Aussie sun, crinkles when it peels, and tinges all the colours of the rainbow when it gets the slightest sun kiss. But what do you do about sensitive teeth? Well, first off, it helps to know what sensitive teeth are. Our dentists in Parramatta can tell you sensitive teeth aren’t something you’re usually born with. Well, teeth aren’t something you’re usually born with … it takes a few months to grow them. Still, sensitive teeth aren’t genetically inherent to human anatomy. They develop over time.
Teeth become sensitive when the Dentin – inner part of the tooth (under the Enamel) – gets exposed, or when your gums start to recede away from your teeth. When that exposed section comes into contact with extreme temperature or corrosive substances, it causes discomfort and sometimes pain. Sensitive teeth respond to ice cream, cold water, hot food, or acidic condiments. This can make it quite difficult to enjoy a good meal, and that’s never fun.
So, how do you deal with sensitive teeth? Well, you can put a deliberate effort in preventing your enamel from wearing out. Use the right toothbrush. No, all toothbrushes are not equal. Some have hard bristles that, while they do sometimes clean, they also rub away the Enamel and can cause your gums to pull away your teeth. Use a soft or ultrasoft, good quality toothbrush, keep it clean, and replace it every three months.
Like many practices, our dental Parramatta clinic recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. It’s may seem like a good idea to brush more often than that but there is such a thing as too much brushing. You should also floss to get rid of residual plaque and tartar that can get stuck in between your teeth, which can cause cavities.
Make a point of brushing and flossing after eating or drinking items with a high acid or sugar content. The acid is far more likely to corrode the surface of your teeth, and the sugar is what mainly helps the bacteria to eat away your teeth and cause cavities. So, brush as soon as possible to minimise the contact of the acid and sugar with your teeth.
Acidic foods include wine, fizzy drinks, caffeine, vinegar, and even fruit juice. This means that in essence, even foods that are healthy on their own can end up damaging your teeth. Be sure to chase them with fresh water and follow with a good brush and floss. It helps to use toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth, especially if your enamel has already begun to wear away.
If your teeth are giving you an unusual amount of pain, you should see your dentist. They can have a look and make sure the issue isn’t more dire than tooth sensitivity. Still, even if you’re not in immediate pain, it’s a good idea to see a dentist on a regular basis. They can give you a quick check to make sure everything is in order, and they can prevent tooth damage before it becomes excessively painful. If you’d like to talk to us about sparkling teeth and dental health, call us on 02 8004 0055 and let’s see if we can widen your smile for you.
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