Tooth sensitivity is common in most people, but it can be irritating and even painful if left untreated. It often starts as a mild discomfort and can quickly become a sharp, sudden pain that interferes with daily habits like eating and drinking. Fortunately, there are multiple ways that prevent tooth sensitivity and treatment plans, as well. 

A skilled dentist in Feasterville can identify the root cause of your sensitivity, provide necessary care, and recommend steps to strengthen your enamel and protect exposed areas.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Ever taken a sip on something cold and felt a searing, stabbing pain in your teeth? That’s tooth sensitivity. It’s the kind of pain that happens when your teeth react to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. Some people feel it when they brush and floss, too. The pain might be temporary, and even if it doesn’t feel like a lot, it can be a sign of greater problems if left untreated.

What Does Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

There is no single reason that teeth become sensitive. Enamel erosion is most likely the most common cause. The outer covering of your teeth, and enamel, when worn away, leaves the dentin below, and that is when sensitivity takes place.

Gum recession is also a contributing factor. As gums recede, they show the roots of teeth. Roots are not covered with enamel, so they are much more sensitive to what you eat or consume. Other possible causes include cavities, old fillings, cracked teeth, or recent dental procedures.

Some people are not conscious that the cause of their discomfort lies in their routine daily activities. Brushing the teeth too roughly, grinding, or eating excessive amounts of acid food can all erode your enamel over a period of time.

7 Ways to Prevent Teeth Sensitivity

1 . Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Hard brushing isn’t the same as brushing well. In fact, hard brushing erodes enamel and makes your gums hurt. A soft-bristled brush cleans your teeth without hurting them. It is gentle on your gums and to the top of your teeth.

Changing brushing techniques also makes a big difference. Small circles, not side to side brushing, remove plaque and stay kind to your teeth.

2. Switch to a Desensitizing Toothpaste

There are special toothpastes made to reduce sensitivity. These usually contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which block the nerve pathways that cause pain.

Stick with it for a few weeks, and you’ll likely notice a difference. Just don’t expect instant results. It takes some time for the protective layer to build up.

3. Maintain a Proper Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day can stop tooth sensitivity from worsening. Proper hygiene keeps plaque and tartar at bay, both of which can irritate your gums and lead to gum recession.

And don’t skip your nighttime routine either. Letting food particles stay overnight will worsen enamel erosion and nourish bad bacteria in your mouth.

4. Avoid Acidic and Sweet Foods

Citrus, soda, and candy can wear down your enamel. Acid weakens the surface of your teeth, and sugar provides food for bacteria that produce more acid. It’s a bad cycle that’s not very nice to your smile.

You don’t have to cut these out completely, but cutting down the quantities has a wonderful impact. Rinsing with water after eating acidic foods also helps flush out acid and protect against enamel loss.

5. Use Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens enamel and stops decay. Fluoride is found in most toothpastes, but if your teeth are extra sensitive, your dentist can prescribe a more concentrated fluoride treatment. This might be in the form of a rinse, gel, or even varnish at the dental office.

Fluoride treatments can remineralize sections of your enamel that are starting to get weak, giving an extra dose of protection against sensitivity.

6. Protect Your Teeth from Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding teeth while sleeping can wear away enamel fast. It’s typically something people don’t even notice until they start waking up with tooth pain or jawaches.

If that rings a bell, a night guard can come in handy. It’s a custom-made mouthpiece that prevents your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other. If you’re experiencing this, your best bet is to visit a dentist for a proper checkup.

7. Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

With routine dental check-ups and regular cleaning, a dentist can observe early signs of enamel loss, gum recession, or cavities that could be making your teeth sensitive. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cause both gum disease and tooth decay.

If you do have some pre-existing enamel erosion or exposed roots, your dentist can suggest treatments like dental bonding. Dental bonding is performed by placing a tooth-colored resin over the exposed surfaces, which hides them and removes sensitivity.

When to Visit a Dentist Regarding Tooth Sensitivity

Recurring tooth sensitivity or growing sensitivity is not to be taken lightly. Persistent pain could be an indication of a decayed tooth, gum infection, or a cracked filling. If you have recurring pain or sensitivity that happens to several teeth, you need to make a visit.

Others feel a sharp, stabbing pain when they bite down. That could be a sign of a cracked tooth or loose filling. Those issues won’t resolve on their own. In fact, waiting too long can make them more difficult – and expensive – to repair.

The professionals at Miracle Dental can help you figure out why you are not at ease and walk you through the best solutions. From routine dental exams and regular cleaning to preventive measures like dental bonding and fluoride treatment, getting the right care counts.

Tooth sensitivity does not have to be something you endure. Minor adjustments in your own home, paired with the help of a qualified Dentist, can provide real relief and have you smiling about your teeth again.