We’re all pretty aware of the most common reasons for sensitive teeth, but can you believe that the things you eat and mouthwash usage might be the culprit behind your issues? Sensitive teeth make it difficult to enjoy a lot of foods, but they can also begin to affect your everyday life in a number of other ways. With a little hard work, you can begin to change your tooth sensitivity for the better. Find out how you might be contributing to your tooth sensitivity with the following tips:
Those acidic foods aren’t doing you any favors
Some of us deal with nerve pathways that are exposed, and the acids in certain foods can cause discomfort. Kiwi, lemon, tomato sauce and grapefruits are some of the most acidic foods out there that might cause you some problems. Avoid these foods as often as possible to stop sensitivity from developing or spreading further.
Tooth grinding is not only annoying: but it’s also painful!
Most people happen to grind their teeth at night, but it can happen any time of day and it’s never a good thing. Even though the enamel of your teeth is one of the strongest materials in your body, grinding your teeth will wear it away over time and eventually expose the dentin that lies beneath. Dentin is the “middle area” of the tooth and it contains small tubes that lead to nerves in other parts of your body. The best thing you can do to stop yourself from grinding is by purchasing a grinding guard that you wear primarily in the evening while you sleep. Talk to your dentist to find out the best options for you!
You tend to overdo it with the mouth washing routine
Mouthwash can be a very beneficial part of any oral care regimen, but some mouthwashes out there are full of chemicals that attack exposed dentin and increase sensitivity. It might be time to switch over to a less abrasive mouthwash: or pass it up altogether and spend more time brushing and flossing.
Discomfort after common dental procedures
If you’re visiting a dentist for a tooth extraction or root canal, it goes without saying that you’re probably experiencing some sensitivity in your teeth. It should subside in time, but if you’re still experiencing sensitivity months after the procedure was done, it might be time to schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist to get some answers you need.
Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity can be treated! There are toothpastes formulated especially for those people with sensitive teeth, but they might not always work. If you’ve been suffering for too long and you want some answers, you should head into your dentist’s office at your earliest convenience.
