Have Sensitive Teeth? Find Out How To Take Care of Them

Having sensitive teeth can make brushing them painful. It can also impact the rest of your life. There are a few ways that you can take care of your teeth in order to help them stay healthy. They may even decrease your sensitivity. Here's what you need to know.

Sensitive Teeth Issues

Sensitive teeth can be caused by several different reasons. There are a few symptoms that can indicate you have sensitive teeth as well. You may be suffering from sensitive teeth and not even be aware of the condition.

The Causes Of Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes you may sensitive teeth just because of genetics. If your genes coded for thinner enamel, then you likely have sensitive teeth. When enamel is thin, it has less protection over the incredibly sensitive nerves that reside within your teeth. When those nerves are touched, even slightly, it can cause you some discomfort. Thin enamel means the nerves are more likely to be interacted with in some way.

Brushing Too Hard

Sensitive teeth can also be caused by brushing too hard. When you brush your teeth too hard, you strip away enamel. This can create cracks in your teeth that allow certain triggers to reach your nerves. Brushing too hard can also impact the health of your gums. It can scratch them and leave them open for attack by bacteria.

Teeth Grinding

Another cause of sensitive teeth is teeth grinding. Whether you grind your teeth during the day or while you sleep, it may be leading to sensitive teeth. Whenever you grind your teeth, you're wearing down the enamel further. That leaves the nerves exposed to triggers.

Unhealthy Diet

Your diet may also influence whether or not you develop sensitive teeth. If you regularly eat or drink hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages, then your teeth may also become sensitive. These instances can also break down the enamel of your teeth and make your nerves reachable by triggers.

The Symptoms

If you have tooth sensitivity, then you likely know it. However, those who have mild cases of tooth sensitivity may not be quite as aware. The primary symptom of sensitive teeth is discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

That may include breathing in cold air. If you pass cold air over your teeth and feel pain, then it's either because of a cavity or because you have sensitive teeth.

The same kind of discomfort may be felt if you drink a hot beverage or eat hot food. Drinking cold beverages, like ice-cold water, may also cause you discomfort.

How To Take Care Of Sensitive Teeth

Here are a few tips on how you can safely take care of your sensitive teeth.

1. Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils like clove are ideal for sensitive teeth. The oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties that can reduce the amount of discomfort that you feel. You'll want to find a toothpaste that contains clove oil.

2. Stop Brushing Hard

One way you can tell if you brush too hard is the head of your toothbrush. If its bristles are spread out, then it's because you're applying too much force. You'll want to be aware of the force you use when brushing. It's also ideal to get a toothbrush with soft or gentle bristles.

3. Treat Medical Conditions

If you have GERD or acid reflux, then you'll want to use certain medications to treat those conditions. By reducing the amount of acid in your mouth, you can preserve your teeth and keep them from becoming too sensitive.

The Best Products To Treat Sensitive Teeth

At Lucky Teeth, we have several products that can be used to help clean your sensitive teeth safely. Our bamboo toothbrushes, for example, are ideal for their gentle bristles. We also have a remineralizing toothpaste that contains clove oil. This toothpaste can ease your discomfort and effectively clean your teeth at the same time.