5 Tips for Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Approximately 1 in 8 people experience tooth sensitivity, it is a relatively common condition and there are a variety of reasons why your teeth feel sensitive when you eat, drink or brush them. Our teeth are coated in a layer of protective enamel, teeth sensitivity occurs when this layer of enamel thins out and the bottom layer of dentin becomes exposed. Causes range from brushing too hard, eating acidic foods, gum disease, cavities, teeth grinding, teeth whitening products and plaque buildup, to name a few.

One thing we can all agree on is that it isn’t a pleasant feeling. However, there are some easy tips and tricks you can try to incorporate into your everyday life to reduce tooth sensitivity. Our Calgary dentists selected their top five tips on how to prevent tooth sensitivity.

Try a Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth

There are several kinds of toothpaste made for those who suffer from sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. These special ingredients help desensitize pain by that temporarily filling the holes between your dentin and enamel. When you use one of these products you also have to remember that it takes continual use to feel results, so make sure to brush every day, twice a day.

Use a Mouth Guard if You Grind Your Teeth at Night

When you grind your teeth, you are slowly eroding your enamel, this jeopardizes your natural build-in defence against tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding or bruxism often occurs when you sleep and we don’t always know we are doing it. If you grind your teeth you can talk to your Calgary dentist about creating a custom mouth guard. Your dentist will take molds of your teeth and make a custom guard you can wear when you go to bed. This will help protect your teeth from grinding.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to make sure you maintain proper dental hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling checkups with the experts at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic. Our Calgary dentists can detect problems before they become serious. They can also give you tips and techniques on how to brush your teeth properly especially if you do suffer from sensitivity.

Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush

We often think that vigorous brushing will make your teeth cleaner, but it can do more harm than good. Hard bristles and aggressive movements can increase tooth sensitivity and damage your enamel. It can also lead to microscopic holes and gum recession. If your bristles feel stiff, we recommend switching to a softer toothbrush and practice gentle brushing. Our experts recommend soft strokes and brushing up and down and not side to side.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Foods and drinks that contain high levels of acid can make tooth sensitivity worse. The acid in these foods wear away at your enamel exposing it. Our Calgary dentists recommend you stay away from citrus fruits, caffeine, tomatoes, yogurt, sour cream, wine, pickled foods and carbonated beverages.

There are several reasons why you experience tooth sensitivity, however; you do not have to live with the discomfort. If you have tried all these tips and nothing seems to work, it’s best to contact your Calgary dentist, they can help determine the cause and provide recommendations to help alleviate the issue. At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic, we provide all areas of general family dentistry. If you have a dental emergency, need your teeth cleaned, are looking for whitening services, or any other dental services contact us today and schedule an appointment. You can contact us by calling 403.252.7711 or requesting an appointment online.