Sunday, April 23, 2017

Tooth Sensitivity

A study conducted back in 2014 showed that roughly 1 in 8 adults suffer from some type of tooth sensitivity.

I have tooth sensitivity but it only occurs with extremely cold things such as biting into a ice cream cone or drinking something that is ice cold. 

Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by worn down tooth enamel from brushing to hard, tooth erosion do to acidic foods and beverages, and gum erosion that leaves the root exposed. 

I'm guilty of the fist two, I  brush my teeth way to hard and I drink way to much soda. 

If you suffer from sensitive teeth you know the pain it causes so here are some tips for easing the pain:

  • Check your brushing technique - Brushing to hard is almost as bad for your teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Brushing to hard can contribute to receding gums leaving the root exposed...OUCH. If you are a hard brusher like myself you should change to a soft bristled brush also known as the periodontal toothbrush. 
  • Minimize acidic foods and drinks - Reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks is important not only for your oral health but also for your overall health. If don't want to reduce your intake you should always rinse with water afterwards or in between drinks.
  • Change toothpaste - I know everyone is set on their favorite brand of toothpaste but sometimes you have to make a change, if you are using a whitening toothpaste you can be making your sensitivity worse because the whitening toothpastes are abrasive. I personal love the Sensodyne pronamel toothpaste and over the years I have noticed a change. 

If you are experiencing any type tooth sensitivity its important to see you dentist, its better to get treated early then have many problems later down the road.

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