Is a spoon of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee or even a cold wind against your teeth turning into a throbbing or stinging experience for you? Moreover, does even brushing or flossing make you wince? If so, you may have  Dentin hypersensitivity or better known as tooth sensitivity.

Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe pain. In most cases, teeth become sensitive particularly due to the exposure of dentin, a part of the tooth that covers the nerves. This occurs either due to the loss of enamel layers or worn down of enamel exposing the sensitive areas of the tooth or due to the gums recession that exposes the underlying surface-dentin, thus, reducing the protection and making a tooth sensitive.

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, try these tips to help ease the pain.

Strengthen Your Enamel

Don’t abandon your enamel, it is the first defense against adverse conditions on your tooth. You can help remineralize and strengthen the surface of your teeth by brushing daily with a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends adults to brush with fluoride twice a day.

Change the way you brush

Changing your brushing habits is really a huge feat. By brushing vigorously you are actually making your teeth more susceptible to wear away the enamel thereby increasing the sensitivity in teeth.

Avoid acidic food and drinks

Exposure to fruit juices, red wine, and acidic foods like oranges and pickles can put your enamel under constant attack. It is advised to limit these foods and drinks. If consumed try to brush about 20 minutes after eating them (not earlier, or else the brushing may hurt your enamel further). Even if your teeth aren’t feeling sensitive, it’s good to be cautious about consuming certain foods and drinks, as enamel loss is irreversible.

Put a stop to tooth grinding

If you are grinding your teeth whenever you are tense, you could be wearing away enamel and exposing your tooth to sensitivity. You may not even realize you are grinding because often people grind their teeth while they are sleeping, but unexplained jaw pain or headaches could be a clue. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, try using a mouth guard at night, or change your sleeping position. If you notice yourself clenching during the day, remind yourself to relax your jaw with your teeth slightly apart.

Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity

In addition to toothpaste with low levels of abrasives, your dentist may also prescribe an at-home, high fluoride level toothpaste or brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse. Specially formulated to desensitize the tooth or by filling the tubules in the dentin that are exposing the nerve and providing extra protection against decay. Other treatments for sensitive teeth include fluoride varnishes that can be painted onto the teeth to provide added protection.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, consult a dentist in West Long Branch to find the best possible remedy to it.