TOUGHEN UP: FIVE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SENSITIVE TEETH

Use a sensitive toothpaste

This isn’t a full-proof option, but it’s definitely a good place to start. You should be looking for a brand of sensitive toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, which are both ingredients that help to desensitise the nerve endings in your teeth. However, you must use this toothpaste on a permanent basis for it to work properly.

Wait before you brush

Brushing your teeth straight after eating or drinking isn’t doing your tooth sensitivity any favours. The acid in your food and drink attacks your teeth immediately, which weakens your enamel. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking you can push the acid deeper into the enamel which will cause further damage. We recommend waiting for at least half an hour, before brushing your teeth.

Change your brushstroke

The way you brush your teeth is vital to their health, and brushing too hard or at the wrong angle can actually remove more than just plaque. A hard-side-to-side action (especially near the gumline) will make your enamel deteriorate faster. Instead, you should be brushing at a 45-degree angle, with moderate pressure and a soft-bristle brush to help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Use a high-fluoride mouthwash

Using a high-fluoride mouthwash can help to strengthen your enamel by guarding against the bacterial acids that cause damage. The fluoride prohibits the bacteria that allows tooth decay to cling to your teeth, making brushing more efficient. You should look to get a mouthwash that’s high in fluoride, but low in harsh chemicals, like alcohol.

Get a mouthguard

You can grind your teeth without even knowing it. Many people sub-consciously grind their teeth out of stress, with many sufferers grinding in their sleep. This wears away the enamel layer that causes sensitivity. The best solution is to get a mouthguard fitted, which protects teeth from grinding and ensures that you’re not doing damage in your sleep.

Visit your dentist

The ultimate way to protect and deal with tooth sensitivity is to visit your dentist. Our expertise means greater success with identifying the cause of the problem, plus we have plenty of treatments to fight against sensitivity that can’t be obtained anywhere else. For example, you can get a fluoride solution or gel applied onto your teeth, which can help to build a protective layer around your sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable for everyone that suffers from it. Luckily for those who do, there are a number of ways to deal with it. You shouldn’t have to turn down your favourite hot drink or ice cream: try our top tips for dealing with tooth sensitivity, and if you’re still suffering, get in touch!