Las Vegas Orthodontist Answers How You Can Avoid Sensitive Teeth (Part II)
In Part I of this article, I explained some of the reasons that your teeth may be sensitive. The main thing to remember is that sensitivity is mostly caused by exposed dentin, the inner part of the tooth that contains nerve endings. Normally, this is protected by the enamel, which layers the outside of the tooth. When the enamel is worn down, you cannot recover it. The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is in making sure the dentin is never exposed. Here are some ways to make sure your teeth stay protected against pain.
In Part I of this article, I explained some of the reasons that your teeth may be sensitive. The main thing to remember is that sensitivity is mostly caused by exposed dentin, the inner part of the tooth that contains nerve endings. Normally, this is protected by the enamel, which layers the outside of the tooth. When the enamel is worn down, you cannot recover it. The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is in making sure the dentin is never exposed. Here are some ways to make sure your teeth stay protected against pain.
1. Maintain good oral hygiene – It seems obvious coming from a dentist, but good oral hygiene is extremely important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Your gums actually work to protect your teeth similarly to the enamel; your gumline blocks off particles and bacteria from entering the spaces where your teeth are held in place below your gums. If your gums are unhealthy, the gumline can recede, exposing more of the tooth and leaving it unprotected against painful experiences. If brushing hurts, don’t let this discourage you from maintaining good oral hygiene. Just try using a soft bristled toothbrush and low abrasivity toothpaste. Hard bristled toothbrushes and whitening or anti-tartar toothpastes can be good for cleaning your teeth, but they may also be the causes of your sensitivity.
2. Brush correctly – You might be surprised to hear that there’s a good chance you’re not brushing your teeth the right way. Many people brush so hard, they’re actually damaging their teeth and gums. Here’s how brushing should be conducted: Start at the gumline with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and the brush end pointed toward the gums. Brush vertically toward the ends of your teeth, away from your gumline. Horizontal brushing can scratch away the enamel, so make sure you are brushing up and down rather than side-to-side. Do this on each tooth, front and back, then brush the top part of your teeth, the chewing surfaces, with horizontal movements. Brushing your teeth this way can keep your teeth healthy and protected against sensitivity.
3. Avoid contact with acidic foods/drinks – Sodas and citrus juices are delicious, but they can also be very harmful to your teeth. These common beverages are acidic and therefore destructive to the protective enamel on your teeth. Pickles, white bread, eggs, dairy products, processed meats, and all forms of alcohol are highly acidic. Cutting down on these foods and drinks can prevent their eroding effects. If you simply can’t cut down on consuming sodas and citric juices, at least drink them through a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth.
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