Top Tips to Improve Sensitive Teeth

When teeth become sensitive, it can make eating and drinking your favourite foods difficult. For some people, they avoid certain types of foods altogether.

We have compiled 11 easy home remedies from our dentists on how to help sensitive teeth pain. We discuss the causes of tooth sensitivity and when you should visit a dental professional.

Teeth can become hypersensitive when the protective layer of your tooth (the enamel) becomes exposed or worn down. From mild tooth sensitivity to severe enamel erosion, this can cause considerable discomfort for many.

Symptoms of Sensitive Tooth Pain

Sensitive tooth pain often feels like a sharp, sudden discomfort that occurs when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It can also be triggered by cold air or when brushing and flossing. The pain is usually brief but can be intense, affecting one tooth or several. Common signs include discomfort during eating or drinking, and sometimes, a dull ache that lingers after the initial trigger. This sensitivity may result from worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, cracked teeth, or gum recession, all of which can expose the inner dentin layer, leading to dentin hypersensitivity / sensitive tooth pain.

Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

#1 Use a soft toothbrush

One of the most common causes of tooth wear is a combination of brushing too hard and using a toothbrush with tough bristles.

Dr Norah Ayad from Coastal Dental Care Burleigh Waters says, “Hard bristle toothbrushes can be too abrasive, causing damage to the [tooth] enamel.”

Additionally, ensure that you are not brushing too hard. “Aggressive brushing can cause the gums to shrink away, thereby exposing the sensitive parts of your teeth”.

#2 Use sensitive toothpaste

Sensitive tooth pain can he reduced by ensuring that you are using the right toothpaste. Sensitive toothpastes, such as Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive, help form a protective barrier and fill porous areas of the tooth, which can allow temperature to travel into the tooth and cause sensitivity.

After you have finished brushing your teeth, Dr David Li suggests, “spit out the excess toothpaste but don’t rinse so it can sit on your teeth and work while you sleep. If you have specific areas of sensitivity, apply a little pea-sized amount with your finger onto the tooth before sleeping.”

Continue to use sensitive toothpaste for at least two weeks to see if there is any improvement. If you are not seeing results from one toothpaste, Dr David Li advises switching to a different brand or type of desensitising toothpaste.

#3 Use a fluoride mouth wash

A fluoride mouthwash can help relieve sensitive teeth by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the transmission of sensations to the nerves inside the teeth. Fluoride works by remineralising weakened enamel, making it more resistant to wear and acid attacks from food and bacteria. This creates a protective barrier over exposed dentin or areas where enamel is thin, helping to block the tiny tubules that lead to the tooth‘s nerve. Over time, regular use of a fluoride mouthwash can help decrease sensitivity and prevent further enamel erosion, particularly when used in conjunction with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

#4 Limit acidic foods and drinks

Acidic food and drink wear away the enamel of your teeth, which can cause sensitivity. Foods that are processed, high in protein, or contain sugar tend to be more acidic and can be detrimental to teeth.

The worst offending foods and drinks are citrus fruits (such as limes, lemons, and oranges), coffee, sweets, soda, tomatoes, and dried fruit. ‘Healthy choices’ can also be misleading when packing a healthy lunch as well, you can read more about the top 10 sugary lunchbox snacks here.

#5 Eat more alkaline foods

Generally, alkaline foods are beneficial for oral health. Especially when you are experiencing sensitive teeth, you should choose foods like:

Cheese & sugar-free yogurt
Milk/Dairy
Leafy greens – broccoli, kale, and bok choy
Crunchy vegetables – carrot and celery

#6 Avoid abrasive whitening toothpaste

While whitening toothpaste can make your teeth white, many achieve this by scratching away stains from the teeth, which harms the tooth enamel.

Dr Nehal Drummond from Coastal Dental Care Runaway Bay suggests avoiding abrasive whitening toothpaste, especially if you are experiencing sensitivity. Whitening strips can also be harmful, as they dehydrate the teeth, which can expose them to significant damage.

If you are looking for a white smile, it is healthier for your teeth to use whitening treatment under the supervision of a dentist. This way, they can assess your case and find the best course of action for your teeth. At Coastal Dental Care, all of our practices offer teeth whitening .

#7 Ask your dentist for help with tooth sensitivity

Your dentist can offer stronger products that can help reduce tooth sensitivity at home. Tooth Mousse, for example, can be applied directly to the sensitive area to provide extra cover for teeth and help neutralise acid.

Tooth Mousse is available from the dentist and should be used under their supervision.

#8 Teeth grinding or clenching

Teeth grinding, or Bruxism, is where teeth are constantly grinding together or are clenched down by the jaw for long periods of time.

Dr Drummond warns, “Don’t clench or grind your teeth during the day (you may need a guard at night while sleeping) as this thins the enamel and makes teeth more sensitive.”

In severe cases, teeth grinding can lead to wearing teeth down to stumps, fracturing or loosening a tooth, and even losing a tooth altogether.

#9 Don’t brush your teeth right after eating

Contrary to popular belief, it is suggested that you should wait to brush your teeth after eating acidic foods. The saliva in your mouth helps to return the mouth to its neutral state and wash away food debris.

Brushing teeth (even with soft bristles) while they are already in a weakened state can do more harm than good. It is best to rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to boost your saliva production instead.

#10 Avoid electrolyte replacement drinks after exercise

“After heavy exercise, the teeth are very dry and more prone to acid attack, which can demineralise your teeth and cause sensitivity.

“Electrolyte replacement is important after exercise, but many electrolyte replacements are acidic.

“If you drink water initially after exercise and later replace your electrolytes, you decrease the risk of sensitivity,” advises Dr Darryl McIntyre, Coastal Dental Care Tugun dentist.

#11 Visit the dentist regularly

Seeing your dentist will help determine the possible causes of why your teeth are getting sensitive. There may be underlying causes for your sensitive teeth that require attention.

Furthermore, during your 6-monthly check-up and clean, the dentist can apply a concentrated topical fluoride, which helps protect tooth enamel.

If you experience long-lasting teeth sensitivity or have questions about sensitive teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our practices or book an appointment online today .

Let us help you take care of your smile

At Coastal Dental Care, we’re committed to your oral health. Whether it is from routine dental procedures, oral hygiene maintenance, root canal treatment, or a sporting mouth guard — we’ve got you covered.

Visit your local Coastal Dental Care dental clinic to schedule your visit today.

August 28, 2018