Sensitive teeth can be very painful. If you have ever suffered from sensitive teeth, you know how difficult it is to deal with that kind of piercing pain that comes on when you eat or drink something that is hot or cold. Tooth sensitivity is not something that you can predict, and therefore you cannot take any medication to ward it off. It is not like a headache where you simply pop a pill to reduce the pain.

So what do you do if you have sensitive teeth and you are in pain? Is there no other option but to live with it? Worry not. There are a few things you can do about your sensitive teeth. In this article, we discuss a few tips to help reduce your tooth sensitivity and get rid of the toothache.

Use the right toothpaste

It is very easy to find a toothpaste that is made specially for sensitive teeth, there are plenty of options that are available in market today. Typically, toothpaste for sensitive teeth will have fluoride content in it and will also be non-abrasive. The toothpaste is specially formulated to help you with the pain that is typically associated with sensitivity or even the pain that you may sometimes feel while brushing and flossing.

Use the right toothbrush

Just as you have to use the right toothpaste, it is also important to use the right kind of toothbrush. You have to select a toothbrush that is specially made for sensitive teeth. Do not use to brushes that have hard bristles. Choose one that has the softest and most comfortable bristles. Soft bristle toothbrushes will help avoid putting too much pressure on the teeth or gums, and this reduces the chances of triggering a toothache.

Avoid consuming foods that cause toothache

There may be certain food items that will trigger a toothache because of your sensitive teeth. It is better to avoid these food items whenever you can. If there is no way you can avoid eating them, try and consume only very limited quantities. Some of the foods that trigger pain in sensitive teeth include foods such as lime or lemon which have high acid content, crunchy or hard food items such as carrots, or very hot or very cold drinks. Be very careful when you consume them, or avoid them altogether if you can.

Care for your tooth enamel

The enamel is the hard protective layer on top of your teeth that creates a barrier between the environment and the nerves inside the teeth. When the enamel wears away, it can cause teeth sensitivity because the nerve endings get exposed. To prevent damaging your tooth enamel, you must ensure that you clean your teeth gently without putting too much pressure while brushing. Do you use side to side brushing motion? If yes, you may be scraping off the enamel. With a soft bristle brush, clean your teeth gently at a 45 degree angle using small up and down brushing strokes.

Avoid bleaching your teeth

Yes, teeth whitening can be a great way to improve your smile, but if you have tooth sensitivity it is best that you stay away from this procedure. After teeth whitening, many people usually experience some sensitivity. if your teeth are otherwise healthy, this sensitivity is fine and it will disappear within a couple of days. However, if you have a pre-existing tooth sensitivity problem, teeth whitening may exacerbate it. Talk to your dentist about the sensitivity issue before the teeth whitening procedure.

Check for dental problems

If you are above the age of 40, you may be experiencing teeth sensitivity because your gums have receded. Gums typically undergo wear and tear and pull away from the teeth, does exposing the roots of the teeth that are extremely sensitive. During a dental examination, you can ask your dentist to check if your gums are receding. Gum recession can also happen due to periodontitis. If the problem is serious, it may need to be treated with the help of a procedure called a gum graft.

Another reason why you may have sensitive teeth could be because there is a small fracture in your tooth. Cracks on the tooth can go all the way to the tooth root. If the crack is small, then it is easy to fix it. However, if the crack has extended below the gum line, not only will it cause sensitivity, but the treatment may involve pulling your tooth out.

Treatment for sensitivity

If you have tried to take care of your teeth using specially formulated toothpaste and gentle brushing and flossing, and you still have sensitive teeth, it may be time for a dental visit. There are a few ways in which teeth sensitivity can be treated at the dental clinic.

Fluoride treatment: Special fluoride formula can be applied on the sensitive areas of the teeth to make the enamel stronger. This will also help reduce the pain that you feel.

Dental sealant: Dental sealants can be used to protect exposed roof if the roots have become visible because of a receding gum line. The sealant will completely cover the exposed roots and helps bring down the pain dramatically.

Desensitizing toothpaste: There also special desensitizing toothpastes that are used specifically to treat teeth sensitivity. These are not commonly available at the drug store, and are typically not used with a toothbrush. Your dentist may prescribe them for you if required.

It is absolutely important that you take care of teeth sensitivity at the earliest. If you ignore it, you may be able to bear it for a while, but very soon things will get worse. The last thing that you want is to wake up with severe toothache in the middle of the night and go to the emergency dentist.

It is easy to take care of your teeth. Just make sure that you brush and floss two times a day. see your dentist for a check-up once every 6 months. Also make sure that as soon as you notice any dental problems, you get that treated immediately.