Understanding Dental Pain and Bacterial Infections

Posted on: 16 March 2018

If you have sensitive teeth, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to decrease some of the sensitivity so you do not have pain every time you eat. If so, use the following tips for reducing the discomfort caused by your sensitive teeth.

Switch to a Softer Toothbrush

When you have sensitive teeth, the primary reason you are having symptoms is because your enamel has become thin. Because this protective layer is eroding away, the pulp and nerves underneath become more exposed, making them more susceptible to sensitivity to heat, cold, and even sugary foods.

Also, if you use a toothbrush with hard bristles, the pressure from them can activate your nerves, making it painful to brush your teeth. And, since these hard bristles tend to scrape the surface, they can contribute to the erosion of your enamel, increasing your teeth's sensitivity.

Instead of using a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles, switch to one that has softer ones. They will still thoroughly clean the surface of your teeth without causing pain or surface erosion of your enamel.

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

Another way you can reduce the amount of discomfort from your sensitive teeth is to protect your teeth from grinding. While you may not know it, you could be clenching your jaws when you are stressed or even while you sleep.

When you clench your jaws for more than a few seconds, your teeth start grinding together. This increase in pressure and the subtle motion of the grinding can cause small chips and cracks in your enamel, exposing the nerves and pulp.

If you do not know whether or not you grind your teeth while you sleep, pay attention to how your face feels when you first wake up in the morning. If the apples of your cheeks feel tight or sore, there is a good chance that you grind your teeth at night.

If you suspect that you do grind your teeth while asleep, a fitted mouth guard may help protect your enamel and help reduce your sensitivity. You can get a mouth guard from your dentist, who can order you one that is specially fitted for your mouth.

Using the above tips can help reduce some of the sensitivity of your teeth and decrease your discomfort. If you continue having problems with your sensitive teeth or wish to be fitted for a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep, speak with a dentist, like one from Port Orange Dentist, about options available to you.