How To Care For Sensitive Teeth

  • December 5, 2007
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A little vulnerability never hurt anyone, but there’s one part of you that can be too sensitive—your teeth. Here’s how to toughen up your chompers.

You Will Need

  • A soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Desensitizing toothpaste
How To Care For Sensitive Teeth: Avoid acid & carbonation

Step 1: Avoid acid & carbonation

Avoid acidic foods and beverages and carbonated drinks.

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth: Wait before brushing

Step 2: Wait before brushing

Always wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth: Use right brush

Step 3: Use right brush

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use desensitizing toothpaste containing fluoride and either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. Both help block the transmission of sensations from the tooth to the nerve.

Overzealous brushing, particularly with a hard-bristled toothbrush, can actually lead to hypersensitive teeth—so use a soft-bristled brush and be thorough but not too aggressive.

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth: Don't grind teeth

Step 4: Don't grind teeth

Don’t grind your teeth, which can cause increased sensitivity.

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your enamel.

How To Care For Sensitive Teeth: Visit a dentist

Step 5: Visit a dentist

If taking these steps doesn’t help, visit a dentist. There are several procedures that might help you.

Sensitive teeth are usually caused when tooth enamel wears down or your gums recede, exposing tiny tubes that access nerves and cells inside your teeth.

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Comments (1)

rfsmith34

I appreciate the info as I've developed sensitive teeth over the years, grind my teeth at night. This is very helpful, thanks.

over 2 years ago by rfsmith34

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