According to Health Day, about one in eight people have sensitive teeth, which can be uncomfortable to try and deal with. If you’re one of these people, you might not know what you can do to help treat the problem. Your dentist will be able to take a look at your teeth and give you recommendations for how to treat sensitive teeth, but in the meantime here are three methods to help relieve the pain.
1. Chewing Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum isn’t going to treat the problem of sensitive teeth and make it go away. However, it will be able to help lessen sensitivity by treating some of the underlying causes of it. Usually, sensitive teeth occur when your gums recede or the tooth enamel wears down. This causes nerve endings to be exposed and, therefore, causing increased sensitivity to changes in temperature. Chewing sugarless gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth which can help rebuild your tooth enamel. Always choose a sugarless chewing gum – gum with sugar will contribute to tooth decay and make the problem worse.
2. Undertaking a New Diet
There are foods you can eat which have been shown to help remineralize your enamel and strengthen the surfaces of your teeth. Vitamin K, in particular, has been shown to strengthen enamel, so load up your shopping cart with dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. Foods which are high in protein are a great idea as well, since the phosphorous also present in these foods works to keep bones and enamel healthy. And don’t forget to stock up on your milk, cheese, and other foods high in calcium!
3. Try a New Toothpaste
Toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth have potassium nitrate in them. This active ingredient blocks nerve-sensing pain and may be able to help relieve your discomfort. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to get the most out of the toothpaste.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.