10 Ways to Avoid Tooth Pain and Sensitivity

There are many issues that can lead to tooth sensitivity, including damage or gum disease. It’s important to pay attention to the signs of a problem so that it doesn’t have an opportunity to graduate into severe pain. Our Berlin CT dentist recommends scheduling a visit at the first indication of sensitivity, but the following tips can help you avoid any immediate discomfort.

1. Switch to a Softer Toothbrush
A toothbrush with hard bristles can be too rough on the gums, causing them to recede over time. If you notice that your saliva contains traces of blood when you brush, it’s a good idea to start using a brush with soft bristles. This type of brush will adequately remove food particles and plaque, without accidentally damaging the enamel of your teeth.

2. Brush With Warm Water
Extreme temperatures trigger tooth sensitivity, even though it may be a very temporary sensation. Brushing with cold water may make the simple task feel more like a chore, and your instinct may be to rush through your cleaning routine. Use warmer water that is comfortable for your teeth so that you ensure a thorough cleaning of any debris and bacteria.

3. Use a Sensitive Toothpaste
There are plenty of options to control tooth sensitivity by brushing with specialty products. Enamel building toothpaste fills microscopic holes to decrease sensitivity to air and liquids until you can have the dentist provide a more permanent solution. Brushing regularly with a desensitizing toothpaste is necessary to get the best results, but the emergency dentist Berlin recommends also using a topical numbing agent as needed until the teeth are adequately reinforced.

4. Rinse With a Mouthwash Containing Fluoride
A good combination of desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash is the most ideal way to strengthen your enamel. After a thorough brushing, the mouthwash is going to coat the enamel to gradually restore the strength of a solid surface. Swish with a formula that contains a mild anesthetic to immediately desensitize the nerves causing pain and discomfort.

5. Stop Using Whiteners
Our Berlin CT dentist often finds that patients complaining of severe sensitivity have used whitening products at home. Leaving the product on for too long or using whiteners too frequently will improve the appearance of teeth with major side effects. Occasional use as directed can be safe, but it’s important to follow whitening treatments with an enamel building toothpaste. Professional stain removal is recommended because an experienced dental professional will use a technique and product that is not damaging.

6. Avoid Acidic Foods
Sodas, fruits, ketchup, and wine are only a few examples of foods and drinks that you may not realize are highly acidic. If you consume acidic substances in moderation, you shouldn’t notice any increase in tooth pain or sensitivity. It’s important to identify acidic foods and eliminate them from your diet as much as possible if you are experiencing issues with your teeth. Erosion will only worsen the longer you continue to include these products in your daily diet.

Cut Down On Sweets
Sugars are hard on the teeth because they cause sticky bacteria to accumulate on the surface until it’s brushed away. The same sweet substances trigger sensitivity and pain because it becomes an acid in the mouth. If there are already tiny holes in the surface caused by dentin wear, the sugars are going to have easy access to the sensitive layer of the teeth.

8. Eat and Drink More Dairy
Adequate calcium in your diet strengthens teeth because they are a bone, which also means that teeth will be significantly weaker without such essential vitamins. Our dentist Newington CT recommends consuming yogurt, cheeses, milk, and other dairy items each day to ensure that your teeth are regularly replenished with minerals.

9. Don’t Consume Drinks or Drinks That Are Too Hot or Cold
Temperature is a major pain trigger for those with sensitive teeth because there is inadequate protection between the surface and the nerve. Patients may experience similar discomfort to cold air because it’s different than the natural temperature of the saliva inside the mouth. Until the enamel is repaired and strengthened by the dentist Newington CT, don’t drink warm liquids or eat hot soup because it will trigger the pain.

10. Wear a Protective Mouth Guard
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night isn’t an issue that is likely to send you to the emergency dentist Berlin. However, it can contribute to the surface damage that leads to pain and sensitivity. If you suspect that grinding could be the cause of your issues, it is a good idea to start wearing a mouth guard until you can get a proper diagnosis from the dentist.