How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity Before It Starts
Tooth sensitivity is quite infamous for making everyday activities like eating and drinking uncomfortable. It occurs when the protective enamel layer wears down, leaving the dentin and nerve endings exposed. Fortunately, with the right dental care, one can take steps to prevent tooth sensitivity before it starts. In this blog, Dentists on the Gold Coast will walk you through the ways in which you can exercise preventive measures to ensure your smile feels and looks healthy!
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and Its Causes
Tooth sensitivity happens when the inner layers of the tooth, particularly the dentin, become exposed. This can result in sharp, sudden pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. The main causes of sensitivity include:
- Enamel erosion from acidic foods and beverages, such as excessive ingestion of citrus fruits, sodas and wine.
- Aggressive brushing with hard-bristled toothbrushes, which can wear down enamel and cause significant irritation to the gums.
- Gum recession, often due to poor oral hygiene or gum disease, exposing the sensitive roots of one’s teeth.
- Cavities and tooth decay, which weaken the tooth structure and lead to discomfort.
- Teeth grinding, often termed as bruxism, which gradually wears down enamel, increasing sensitivity.
Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine is essential for enamel protection and cavity prevention. Understanding and adopting the right techniques and products can help reduce the risk of sensitivity.
- By using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean teeth gently, one can prevent enamel wear.
- Opting for fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen the enamel and protect against decay.
- Brush and floss daily but avoid aggressive brushing that may lead to gum recession.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly to ensure effective cleaning without causing damage.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
What you eat and drink can play a significant role in preventing tooth sensitivity. Certain foods and habits are prone to weaken the enamel, increasing discomfort.
- Limit acidic and sugary foods, such as citrus fruits, soda and candy, as they contribute to enamel erosion.
- Stay hydrated to maintain saliva production, which helps protect against cavities and sensitivity.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods that can trigger sensitivity, especially in exposed dentin.
- Reduce teeth grinding by using a mouthguard at night to protect enamel from excessive wear.
- Incorporate foods that are rich in calcium, namely dairy, leafy greens and almonds to help strengthen teeth.
Additional Preventive Measures
In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene and having a balanced diet, there are a few other measures you can take to further reduce the risk of sensitivity:
- Avoid overbrushing or using excessive force when cleaning your teeth.
- Use a desensitising toothpaste, which helps block nerve signals and reduce sensitivity.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups with your trusted dentist helps in early detection of enamel wear and cavities.
- Consider a fluoride treatment or dental sealants to provide extra enamel protection against sensitivity and decay.
- Limiting the usage of tobacco products is a great dental care practice as it is likely to contribute to gum recession, increasing the likelihood of sensitivity.
Trusted Professionals of the Dental Care Industry in Gold Coast
Regular checkups with a dental professional ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy for years to come. Want to keep your teeth sensitivity-free? Book a checkup with Dentists on the Gold Coast today for expert advice and care!