Nobody likes having sensitive teeth

‍“Having sensitive teeth is the best ” - Nobody

Having sensitive teeth is fun, in the same way that paying taxes is fun, or stubbing your toe is fun. That is to say, it’s not fun at all.

Sensitivity can strike often for the foods we enjoy the most. It can even make everyday activities, like eating a spoonful of ice cream or taking a sip of coffee, seem like a risky endeavor.

But if your teeth ache whenever they graze an ice cube, you don’t have to suffer in silence - there are simple steps anyone can take to minimize discomfort from sensitive teeth. If you’re experiencing pain from sensitive teeth, here’s your next move to get your problem taken care of, so you can sip a cup of tee or bite into a cool popsicle without pain!

Your first step is visiting your dentist

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, there’s no better course of action you can take than connecting with a dentist. It’s possible that your sensitivity is only a symptom of an underlying problem. If you live in Fargo or the Fargo Moorhead area, you can visit a dentist at South University Dental Associates. We will be able to evaluate your teeth, your overall oral health, and determine what’s at the root of your pain.

Take the next steps prescribed by your dentist

Once you’ve met with us or another dentist, You’ll create a plan of action to solve your problem. That action plan might include some of the following suggestions. The actual suggestions will be based on your unique needs, but these are some common next steps: 

  1. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth - This type of toothpaste helps by reducing pain reception in your nerve endings, so you can dampen the effects of sensitivity.
  2. Fluoride - Your dentist might provide a treatment that uses fluoride to strengthen the enamel in your teeth. 
  3. Reducing intake of acidic foods - We don’t often realize how many of the foods and beverages we consume are also acidic. Be especially careful to avoid fruit juices and sodas, wine, tomato based products, and pickled items. Consuming these items, and other highly acidic items slowly wears away at tooth enamel. When you do eat these, rinse your mouth out with water immediately whenever possible.
  4. Bonding agent - This is applied by a dentist to your teeth, to help protect your teeth from outside stimuli. If your mouth is sensitive to cold, think of it like a jacket for your teeth to keep the chills away.
  5. Change your routine - often, the order and timing with which we eat and brush matters. For example, you can take better care of your teeth by waiting to brush until after you’ve eaten breakfast, or making sure not to brush immediately following acidic foods.

Reducing tooth sensitivity starts with good oral hygiene

We get it - we know we should brush and floss regularly. But even though we know it’s good for us, it can be tempting to skip the floss, or fall into bed without brushing. Beyond the risk of cavities, missing just a few days here and there can increase your risk of gum disease, which can worsen your symptoms. 

Over-brushing can be just as bad, or worse, because of the damage it can cause to gums and enamel. When you brush, make sure not to apply too much pressure. 

Be careful about whitening your own teeth

When at-home whitening is done improperly, it can cause damage. But even when it is administered correctly, it often still leads to sensitivity. That is why it is always a good idea to check with your dentist before you start whitening on your own. They will be able to suggest the best options for the health of your teeth. If your teeth are particularly sensitive, they may even suggest some additional steps that can minimize your discomfort from the whitening process. 

South University Dental Associates can help you with your sensitive teeth

Teeth sensitivity may be a common occurrence, but it’s not unavoidable. We can help you reduce or eliminate your discomfort, often with some simple interventions. If you’re experiencing any discomfort on a regular basis, you should contact our team of dentists in Fargo, and they’ll help you and your family care for your smile, and if needed, reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.