If you have tender teeth or gums, you understand the struggle with consuming cold foods and beverages. You may even feel sensitivity when eating crunchy foods or chewy foods. Additionally, brushing and flossing might be very uncomfortable.
To avoid further pain, you can try a few tips. For example, good oral hygiene is a good start! Furthermore, our Naples dentists at Massa Dental Center, Drs. Massa, Vlachos, and Cocris, can give you tips and tricks to help you negate your tooth sensitivity in the future.
The Foods You Eat Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity
Both acidic foods and sugary foods tear down your enamel if you aren’t careful. Acidic foods, if you consume them too often, break down and erode the outer layer of your teeth, revealing your nerves.
Additionally, sugary foods stick to your teeth and form bacteria. Then, the bacteria decay your teeth. Tooth decay results in cavities that you might need to get filled. However, you can decrease erosion and decay by avoiding acidic and sugary foods. If you just can’t give up those sweet drinks, you can help out your mouth by drinking them through a (reusable) straw!
Your Oral Hygiene Habits Might Not Be Cutting It
Sometimes, your sensitivity comes from just the thing you thought would help! For example, brushing your teeth too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush could damage the outer layer of your teeth. This could actually reveal hollow tubes in your teeth that lead to nerves, causing pain.
Another way you may be hurting your smile is with at-home whitening products. Some brands just aren’t safe for your enamel. If you use store-bought whitening strips or toothpaste, you might want to reconsider. If you’re considering teeth whitening, we recommend seeing a dental professional like Dr. Massa.
Furthermore, mouthwash could be causing sensitivity for your teeth. If you use mouthwash too often or use mouthwash with alcohol or whitening substances, you could be hurting more than helping.
You Could Have an Existing Condition that Needs to be Resolved
If you experience tooth sensitivity, you likely need a dentist’s advice. The good news is, that’s what we’re here for!
Some of our patients have sensitivity from teeth grinding. If that’s the case for you, we can make you a custom-fit mouthguard. Going forward, you will experience less pain in your teeth and your jaw.
Other issues deal with the health of your teeth. If you have gum disease, excessive plaque, dental decay, or cracks in your teeth, you will have to see your dentist in order to fix the problem. For gum disease, we will perform a procedure to seal your gums and stop the spread of bacteria. On the other hand, we recommend better daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits for excessive plaque. Additionally, if you have dental decay, you may need to get a filling or dental crown to seal up your cavity.
Your Dentist in Naples, Florida
If you experience tooth sensitivity, no matter how big or small, give Dr. Massa, Dr. Vlachos, and Dr. Cocris a call. Nobody should experience discomfort when eating, drinking or cleaning their teeth. And, we think that you deserve better. Schedule an appointment with Massa Dental Center online or give us a call at (239) 597-7333.
