Sensitive Teeth What Causes Them, and How You Can Reduce Their Effects

Kirkland family dentistry

Millions of people deal with the painful effects of sensitive teeth every day. When you have sensitive teeth, eating certain foods or even a simple breath of cold air can send a sharp, sudden pain shooting down the nerve of your tooth.

But what causes dental sensitivity? Brushing your teeth too hard, grinding your teeth and tooth decay are among the most common factors behind tooth sensitivity.

Luckily, you can make small changes to your everyday routine that will make your teeth less sensitive — and allow you to live your life without worrying about the possibility of dental pain.

Want to reduce the severity of your sensitive teeth and maybe even enjoy ice cream again? Here are three of the best ways you can alleviate your dental sensitivity:

Cut down on acidic food and drinks

Foods and drinks that contain high amounts of acid — from citrus fruits to soda and tea — can increase the severity of sensitive teeth. If you can’t cut out acidic foods entirely, try to eat them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after eating them. To help keep soda and other acidic beverages from wearing away your dental enamel, minimize the amount of time your teeth are exposed to these drinks by using a straw.

Keep brushing — but brush wisely

As stated before, brushing your teeth too harshly can lead to sensitive teeth. You don’t have to brush too hard for your toothbrush to scrub away plaque! Also, be sure not to brush your teeth immediately after eating, as this increases acid’s destructive impact on your teeth’s enamel.

Consider getting a mouth guard or dental veneers

If your dental sensitivity is caused by your tooth-grinding habit, your dentist might recommend that you wear a mouth guard at night. These mouth guards offer a welcome respite and save your enamel from damage. Another option to consider? Dental veneers — these thin, custom-made shells, which are technically a form of cosmetic dentistry, fit over your teeth and act as a barrier that protects your enamel from damage.

Have any other questions for us about porcelain veneers or how to find a dentist office that offers them? Ask us anything by leaving a comment below. More. Read this for more.

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