3 Ways To Treat Your Dental Sensitivity

If you have sensitive teeth, you are not alone. Dental sensitivity, which can be exacerbated by tooth-whitening products, is a popular complaint among dental patients. People who suffer from dental sensitivity may find it difficult to enjoy hot or cold foods. There are multiple ways to treat sensitivity. Here are a few:

Avoid sodas.

Sodas and other acidic substances dissolve the tooth enamel that protects the interior of your tooth. As tooth enamel becomes compromised, sensitive dental nerves are more easily accessed by food and drink.

The pH of a substance is assigned based on its acidity or alkalinity. Acids have a pH that is lower than 7.0, but the closer the pH of a substance is to 0, the more acidic it is. Battery acid has a pH of 1.0.

Alkaline substances, likewise, have a pH that is greater than 7.0, and the most alkaline solutions have a pH that is close to 14.0.

Colas, such as coke, have a pH around 2.5. Studies show that sodas are so acidic that they can cause tooth enamel to lose mass. In one particular study in which tooth enamel was covered with popular soft drinks for 48 hours, the weight of the tooth enamel was reduced by over five percent.

Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Not only does toothpaste for sensitive teeth usually contain fluoride, which helps remineralize tooth enamel. It also works to improve dental sensitivity in one of the following ways:

  • Blockage: Some toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth help block the tubules or pores of the dentin so that food and drink cannot enter.
  • Desensitizing nerves: Other sensitive toothpastes contain potassium that helps make the dental nerve endings that lie within in the dentinal tubules less sensitive.

Never use a hard-bristled tooth brush.

More than likely, your dentist has advised you to only brush with soft-bristled toothbrushes. Brushes with hard or medium bristles can be too harsh on your tooth enamel, gradually eroding the enamel and exposing the dentin that lies beneath it.

The hardness of a standard toothbrush is usually displayed on the packaging, so you know what you are buying before you complete your purchase. 

In addition, don't pair a soft-bristled brush with abrasive substances like undiluted baking soda, The rough texture of the powder can still wear away your enamel.

If you have sensitive teeth, visit http://www.neufamilydental.com. A dentist can advise you of additional measures you can take to fix your dental sensitivity.

Share