Tips and Products for Sensitive Teeth

If you’ve lived with sensitive teeth for a while, you know the sudden shock that comes with drinking something really hot or ice cold. You may wonder if you have to give up your morning coffee or your favorite iced tea. Here are some tips and products to help ease the shock of sensitive teeth:

Tip #1: Be cautious with hot and cold foods and drinks. If you can’t or don’t want to give up your favorite iced drinks, try drinking them through a straw. This will keep them from making direct contact with your teeth.

Tip #2: Dodge the acidic foods and drinks. Lemonade, sodas, and orange juice can wear away tooth enamel, which contributes to tooth sensitivity. Another culprit is stomach acid, which can be present in the mouth if you have acid reflux. In that case, avoid the foods that aggravate the reflux.

Tip #3: Avoid hard foods. Very hard foods can cause serious damage, especially in already weakened teeth. Avoid eating ice, even if you don’t have sensitive teeth. Your teeth are not designed to withstand that much force.
Tip #4: Cut back on the sugar. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sweet stuff. While it may not be possible to completely cut sugar out of your diet (most foods have some form of sugar), you can eliminate foods that have added sugars, including honey and molasses.

Another way to help relieve your tooth pain is to use specialized oral care products for sensitive teeth. Here’s a rundown of the most effective products for sensitive teeth.

• Colgate Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth. Using a newer method of combating sensitivity, this type uses arginine and calcium to mimic the body’s natural process of remineralization. When sensitivity is due to acid erosion in teeth, it works by filling the tooth’s pores with calcium phosphate.
• Sensodyne Toothpaste. The most recognizable name in the toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth, It desensitizes teeth by using potassium to keep the nerve endings in your teeth from sending pain signals.
• Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Mouthwash. Also using arginine as an active ingredient, this formula takes the “remineralization” route to alleviate sensitivity.
• ACT Total Care Sensitive Formula Mouthwash. This rinse uses sodium fluoride as an active ingredient and leaves out the alcohol.

Sensitive teeth may be a sign of serious dental problems. During a checkup, your Tempe dentist can check the cause of your tooth sensitivity. If it happens often, make an appointment today.