How to Treat Sensitive Teeth?

A look at what tooth sensitivity is and how to prevent it as well as treatments.

How many times has this happened to you? You are about to dig into an absolutely scrumptious chocolate ice cream. As the spoon of the rich dark stuff enters the mouth you get quite a shock. You are horrified, for you fear that

you will never be able to eat your favorite dessert again. Well don’t panic! This is actually quite a common problem that many adults face. There is really nothing more wrong with you than sensitive teeth. This can happen is few ways. Some people are born with sensitive teeth but in the majority of cases it developed over time. Tooth decay, broken teeth and even some tooth whitening products can cause sensitive teeth.

The dentin is the inner payer of teeth. It is the part of the tooth that is actually sensitive to hot, cold and sweets. When the outer enamel starts to wear away then the dentin becomes exposed. This can make exposure to cold air, sugary candies and hot and cold drinks incredibly painful. Sometimes people experience pain when the brush and floss their teeth adding to the problem.

If sensitive teeth are a problem the first thing that you should do is consult your dentist. They will look at the causes and prescribe a course of action. If tooth decay and gum disease are ruled out as the causes, then a fluoride treatment may be recommended. There are also several tooth pastes available designed specifically for sensitive teeth. There are several options available and there is no reason to live in pain.

There are also several preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of sensitive teeth occurring. The first thing that everyone should do is make sure they are keeping a regular regime of good

oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing regularly, the bacteria and plaque that can build up in the mouth will be reduced. This is unsightly as well as unhealthy. By keeping these two elements under control the enamel on the outside of the tooth will not wear away. The dentin will not be exposed and cause pain.

Keeping a good balance of minerals in the mouth will also help in the fight against sensitive teeth. The teeth undergo two processes; one is called demineralization and the other remineralization. Demineralization is where nutrients are removed from the tooth and remineralization is of course when they are replaced. As long as minerals are replaced faster that they are taken away, the enamel on the outer layer of the tooth will not wear down. Tooth decay will not happen as well as sensitive teeth.

Remineralizing the teeth can be done in a variety of ways. One of the first things that you can do is use a tooth paste that does the job for you. Several of the top brands contain minerals to aid in this process. Your dentist can also recommend several specialist tooth pastes designed for this purpose.

This comes as a surprise to many but chewing sugarless gum can help remineralize the teeth. The act of chewing forced the mouth to increase the saliva flow. This of course helps to clean the teeth but it also helps to replace many of the essential minerals that are lost. Dentist can recommend dental gums but any sugarless gum should do the trick. Saliva flow can also be increases by eating food high in fiber. If gum chewing isn’t for you, try eating strawberries or brown bread. This will have a similar effect as well as other health benefits.

There are several natural ways to give the teeth a good cleaning and reduce the bacteria that attack the enamel. One way is to eat foods rich in vitamin C. Lemons, Oranges, Limes, Kiwis and Mangoes are some of the best sources. These fruits contain acids that kill off many of these bacteria. They taste great and contribute to your overall health as well. The juices from these fruits can be helpful as well but make sure they are from concentrates with no added sugar. Otherwise you are doing more harm than good.

Sensitive teeth can be painful. They are also irritating when you consider a life without your favorite foods and drinks. Fortunately the problem isn’t as serious as people think and it can be treated. Tooth decay, gum disease and enamel wearing are all things that can be cured by a dentist provided it isn’t left too long. There are also several preventative measures one can take to stop sensitive teeth before they start. Brushing, flossing and eating healthy can stop the bacteria from attacking the outer enamel. Chewing sugarless gum and eating a fiber rich diet can also help remineralize the teeth so this problem doesn’t happen.

How to Treat Sensitive Teeth!