Last month, we shared a few blog posts about the common causes of tooth sensitivity. That painful sensation when you try to enjoy something hot or cold or just a little too spicy or sour can be annoying and even debilitating. When planning out our posts for this month, it occurred to us that we never offered any solutions for those of you suffering from a bout of tooth sensitivity. Therefore, we’d like to dedicate our blog post this week to sharing a few ways you can relieve tooth sensitivity if you find yourself in pain:
1. Use a Softer Toothbrush or Ask Your Dentist for Advice on Brushing
Many people wind up with sensitive teeth because they’re either brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with bristles not suited for their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends people swap out their toothbrush—or toothbrush head if they use an electric toothbrush—about every three months. Mostly, this is because of germs, but if you discover that your new toothbrush’s bristles are becoming consistently worn or matted down before three months is up and your teeth hurt, you may be brushing too hard. If your toothbrush is still in good shape after a few months but you have tooth sensitivity, maybe you’re using a brush with bristles that are too hard for your teeth. Ask your dentist if he or she has any recommendations for a better toothbrush for you, and maybe ask for a refresher in good teeth brushing and see if you can pick up any good pointers.
2. Consider Using a Fluoride Rinse
Sometimes a good dose of re-mineralization can go a long way toward reducing tooth sensitivity. There are many over-the-counter rinse products you can find at your local grocery store to help you with this, but we’d like to share some sage advice. Do yourself a favor and save time and money and talk to your dentist if you think a fluoride rinse might help you. Your dentist may have a better product available that your local grocery story, and at the very least he or she can make a good recommendation based on your oral health conditions.
3. Try Out a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Like the fluoride rinse suggestion, there are many over-the-counter products available at your grocery store that boast of tooth desensitizing properties. We’re also going to give you the same advice as the fluoride rinse tip: if you’re considering a desensitizing toothpaste, talk to your dentist first and ask what he or she would recommend.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, these pieces of helpful advice give you some considerations or some ideas on where to begin treatment. Above all else, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist to build a treatment plan that works for you and saves you time and money.
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