Dr.Shook and her team are very professional and thorough. I returned back to them after moving back to the area. They are honest and let me know my gum condition after visiting other practices in other areas. It’s good to know you have a dentist that has your back.
Do you find yourself passing on that hot coffee or tea because the temperature hurts your teeth? If enjoying your favorite hot food or beverage has become unpleasant or even painful due to tooth sensitivity, you’re not alone. It’s a common symptom among adults. The good news is that sensitivity can be reduced significantly in most cases, allowing you to savor piping cups of coffee and tea again. Today, we’ll explore five ways to reduce tooth sensitivity. We’ll also discuss when to see your dentist about sensitivity issues.
- Use a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth.
A toothpaste for sensitive teeth is one of the first lines of defense against sensitivity. They work by preventing your teeth from responding to heat or cold temperatures. Using it twice daily makes a noticeable difference for those who struggle with this problem. Be sure to ask at your next appointment for specific brand recommendations from your dentist.
- Use a Fluoride-Based Mouth Rinse
Another way of reducing tooth sensitivity is by using a fluoride mouth rinse. Fluoride remineralizes your teeth and fills in tiny holes and cracks. Consider rinsing with fluoride between meals. Many people use it after teeth brushing. However, you don’t want to rinse your mouth after brushing, as it already has been treated by the fluoride in the toothpaste. So, using fluoride mouthwash in between your brushing routine is ideal.
- Sip Through a Straw
An easy way to enjoy that coffee, tea, or hot cocoa without it touching your sensitive front teeth – sip it through a straw! The straw lets the liquid bypass your top front teeth completely. While not a cure, it’s an effective temporary solution while you use other methods to manage sensitivity. If you don’t like to contribute straws to our planet’s waste, consider buying one that is compostable, silicone, or metal.
- Improve Your Brushing Technique
Aggressive scrubbing when you brush can erode protective enamel over time, leading to sensitivity. We see this often with patients who favor a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush. The solution? Adopt a very gentle, circular brushing motion and use a soft or extra-soft bristle brush. Try an electric toothbrush that includes pressure sensors and timers if you struggle with brushing too hard.
- See Your Dentist to Identify the Cause
While home remedies can certainly help reduce discomfort, scheduling a checkup with us can help identify factors contributing to sensitivity that you can’t detect on your own. We can identify the cause and recommend necessary treatments. For example, gum disease can often cause recession problems, which increases your sensitivity. We can treat the infection in your gums and give you back your fully functional smile.
If hot coffee, tea, or soup makes you wince, it could be from tooth sensitivity. The good news is you can reduce tooth sensitivity, using the tips we’ve provided. However, don’t neglect to schedule an appointment if the issue persists. Call Shook Dental Care today at 310-982-6333 or fill out our online form to request an appointment in San Pedro, CA.