How do you stop sensitive teeth pain?

Do you often feel pain and discomfort when you brush your teeth or bite into something too hot or too cold?

Tooth sensitivity is common, but it can be very irritating if it’s a prolonged issue. You can experience tooth sensitivity from a number of triggers, including:

• Food and beverages that are too hot or too cold
• Sweet or acidic foods and beverages
• Cold air
• Alcohol-based mouth rinses
• Brushing or flossing

4 remedies for tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is generally caused by worn down tooth enamel (the outer layer of the tooth that protects it). If the pain becomes unbearable, these tips can help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth enamel from wearing down further.

1. Salt-water rinse

Rinsing your mouth with salt and lukewarm water is common and effective home remedy. Salt is an antiseptic with a range of natural benefits including alleviating pain and reducing sensitivity or inflammation.

2. Desensitising toothpaste

Desensitising toothpaste is also a simple and effective option for reducing tooth sensitivity, irritation and pain. These toothpastes contain active ingredients, such as:

• Fluoride: Strengthens tooth enamel and helps it regain minerals
• Sodium fluoride: Works as an effective barrier
• Potassium nitrate: Decreases fluid flow by clogging the tubules, decreases activity of sensory nerves, prevents and reduces the sensation signals from reaching the brain

3. Brush gently

Some patients think that overbrushing helps clean your teeth better. Brushing too hard can actually have the opposite effect and can cause tooth enamel to be severely worn down.

If you find that you’re overbrushing or brushing too hard, try swapping your toothpaste for one with soft bristles. Also make sure to be extra gentle with your gums and teeth.

4. Visit the dentist

If tooth sensitivity persists, it’s best to visit our dentists here at Golden Square Dental, as it can sometimes be a sign for a much more serious dental issue.

If you feel sensitivity in only one area of your mouth, that may be a sign for tooth decay and will require effective tooth decay treatment in Bendigo. Tooth decay can be caused by a build-up of bacteria, consuming too many sugary foods and drinks, or not cleaning your teeth properly. If left untreated, it could cause larger cavities, which can lead to more severe tooth sensitivity, toothache, infection, or even tooth loss.

Sensitivity could also be a sign for gum disease. This may be the case if you also notice inflamed, tender gums. Besides damaging the gum, gum disease can also destroy the jawbone, may result in tooth loss, and can also be a risk factor for heart and lung disease.

Our dentists in Bendigo provide effective gum disease treatment to professionally clean the pockets around the teeth and prevent damage to the surrounding bone.

If tooth sensitivity persists, book an appointment at Golden Square Dental for effective gum disease treatment and tooth decay treatment in Bendigo. Call us on (03) 5443 0063 or request an appointment here.