How to Care for Sensitive Teeth
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.
Up next in How to Have Good Oral Hygiene (16 videos)
Prevent cavities, bad breath, stained teeth, bleeding gums, and other mouth woes with the advice in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- Desensitizing toothpaste
Steps
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Step 1
Avoid acid & carbonation
Avoid acidic foods and beverages and carbonated drinks.
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Step 2
Wait before brushing
Always wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.
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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.
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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.
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Step 4
Don't grind teeth
Don't grind your teeth, which can cause increased sensitivity.
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If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your enamel.
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Step 5
Visit a dentist
If taking these steps doesn't help, visit a dentist. There are several procedures that might help you.
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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.
