Tooth sensitivity is a very common oral health issue, which is caused when the enamel on the teeth is worn down to expose roots within the tooth, or when the tooth is cracked and roots are exposed. Whilst it is a common problem, this doesn’t mean you should have to put up with it, as it can be very painful and uncomfortable.
So, we’re here to introduce a few of the causes of tooth sensitivity, as well as how to reduce tooth sensitivity where possible, to help keep your smile happy and healthy! Any tooth sensitivity should always be mentioned to your dentist during check-ups, as it could be a sign of a more serious issue, so it’s best to get things checked over to catch problems as early as possible.
Causes Of and How To Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
Acidic and Sugary Foods and Drinks
One of the biggest causes of decaying tooth enamel, which then results in sensitivity, is eating and drinking sugary or acidic foods. Acidic foods like citrus can dissolve the enamel on the teeth over time, which not only causes sensitivity, but it results in more serious oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Sugary foods and drinks have a similar impact, as when you consume them, acid is produced in the mouth to break down the sugar, which in turn damages the enamel.
So, when it comes to how to reduce tooth sensitivity, you should try to reduce your intake of acidic or sugary foods and drinks. Replace them where you can with healthier snacks or water, and if you can’t avoid them completely, make sure you drink water after consumption to remove as much acidic residue as possible. Then after 30 minutes (no sooner, as this can damage enamel when it’s at its weakest), brush your teeth to remove the rest of the residue. Whilst this isn’t an ideal solution, it is the best one if you can’t avoid these foods and drinks completely. Another good thing to do when considering how to reduce tooth sensitivity is to drink sugary or acidic drinks through a straw, to minimise the contact the teeth have with the damaging substance, and then repeat the steps above.
Gum Disease
One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is sensitive teeth, so if this is something you’re experiencing, it’s really important to book an appointment with your dentist so they can get to the bottom of the issue and rule out things like gum disease. If you are showing the first signs of gum disease, then they will need to begin treatment in order, as this is the only way from here when it comes to how to reduce tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can be caused by a whole host of things, from plaque build up to smoking, hormonal changes and family history, so it is really important to go to your dentist so that this very serious health issue can be ruled out or treated to reduce your sensitivity.
Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth in the night, or in the day, then this can cause quite bad sensitivity, as you are grinding away the enamel on the teeth which gradually exposes the root. You may not even know that you’re grinding your teeth, so book a visit to your dentist and they will be able to identify if there are any signs of you doing it. Then, when it comes to how to reduce tooth sensitivity if this is the case, you will likely be given a mouth guard to wear in the night, to prevent the wear down of the enamel and to stop any further damage from occurring.
Online Teeth Whitening Kits
Another common cause of tooth sensitivity is online teeth whitening kits which often aren’t regulated and contain dangerous amounts of peroxide and other whitening ingredients. When the bleaching solution is not regulated, the incorrect levels of whitening agents can remove minerals within the enamel, therefore exposing the roots. With professional teeth whitening, minor sensitivity may be an issue, the risk of experiencing severe sensitivity and ongoing oral health problems is much higher with online teeth whitening kits. Plus, these companies selling kits online certainly don’t do any due diligence about whether you are a suitable candidate, whereas your dentist should be open and honest about if teeth whitening is right for you, taking into account any existing sensitivity or oral health problems. When deciding how to reduce tooth sensitivity in this instance, we’d definitely advise going to a professional for your teeth whitening, to not only make sure the treatment is safe, but to ensure results are as effective as possible!
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to reduce tooth sensitivity is really important, as it can be quite disruptive to your daily life when it is severe. Our best piece of advice is to go to your dentist if you are having issues with tooth sensitivity, as so many different things can cause it, and they are most likely to help you get to the bottom of the issue.
To make your oral health a priority and to help maintain a happy and healthy smile, get in touch with us today and start your Beyond Dental journey!
