When you have sensitive teeth, your day-to-day life becomes complicated. Every bite becomes a conscious thought process. Chewing can be an incredibly painful and frustrating experience. Sometimes, the pain can even affect your mood and your loved ones. It has hit a breaking point and you find yourself wondering….
What Can I Do to Help My Teeth?
Maybe you have added more brushing or flossing into your daily routine. Perhaps you changed your toothpaste. No matter what you’ve done, nothing seems to be helping. At Durham in Hilton Head, we have some expert suggestions that can save you some time and pain.
5) Get the right toothpaste.
Whenever you walk into a grocery or drug stores, you can see thousands of choices for toothpaste and it can get very overwhelming to pick the one that is just right for your dental needs. You should make sure that you aren’t getting an overtly abrasive toothpaste or toothpastes with charcoal in them. The activated charcoal can not only create weak spots on your teeth, but it can also remove already thin protective covering (called enamel). While there are toothpastes for sensitive teeth, it is best to ask your dentist which one would be best for you.
4) Avoid crunchy foods.
Chips, popcorn and candy can be very painful for those with the best teeth. With sensitive teeth and gums, you could be risking a lot for a low payoff. Kernels can get wedged between your teeth and gums, inviting bad bacteria to grow. This in turn leads to gum disease, cavities, and other problems.
3) Chew sugarless gum after a meal.
If you are concerned that something your meal has stuck to your teeth and you don’t have time to brush in your schedule, sugarless gum is your answer. It can help remove stuck-on foods and save your teeth until you get a chance for proper oral hygiene.
2) Limit your citrus intake.
Eating fruits like oranges and limes in large quantities can severely impact your enamel and create weak spots for bacteria to cause cavities or worse. By limiting your consumption of oranges, lemons, limes, and various foods that are composed of these fruits, you can protect your teeth.
1) Visit your dentist.
The best thing you can do for your teeth, whether they are sensitive or not, is to visit your dentist. Your dentist can perform all necessary cleanings, fillings and repairs that your teeth need.
Help Your Teeth with a Durham Dentist Today!
Another potential cause of sensitive teeth is metal fillings. Normal tooth material insulates your teeth, but metal is a very poor insulator (it’s a great conductor of heat!). This can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold beverages. If you experience sensitivity, changing out metal fillings and crowns can help you avoid the pain.
Whether you are looking for a way out of pain, a new toothpaste or a whiter smile, you need an expert by your side. Please call (843) 706-2999 today for an appointment with our friendly staff here at Durham in Hilton Head.
