Easy Dental Life Hacks To Prevent Your Own Tooth Loss

If sharp pains shoot through your mouth when you bite into something cold, the enamel on your teeth might be worn down. This can be caused from eating acidic foods and not brushing your teeth afterward, and it can also be caused by aggressive brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush. Fortunately, there are treatments that may help your sensitive teeth. Here are some things you can try.

Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth

Your dentist can help you pick a brand of toothpaste to help your teeth. Some products contain ingredients that block pain signals, and others contain fluoride that coats your teeth. If you don't get a recommendation for a brand to use from your dentist, then be sure to choose toothpaste with the ADA seal on it that verifies it is approved by the American Dental Association. Also, be sure it says on the label the toothpaste is designed to treat sensitive teeth.

To get the best results, you should use the toothpaste every day. Apply it with a soft bristle brush that is gentle on your teeth. Your dentist may recommend other oral hygiene products too, such as mouthwash that contains fluoride. It's best to avoid harsh dental products that are acidic in nature, as these could make your tooth pain worse. This includes brands made to whiten teeth and those that contain alcohol.

Mouth Guard For Tooth Grinding

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth when you sleep at night, you could be wearing away the enamel on your teeth. To stop the enamel erosion from progressing, you can wear a mouth guard at night. It won't stop you from grinding your teeth, but you will grind against a cushioned mouth guard instead of your enamel, so your teeth are protected. If you can't find an over-the-counter product that feels comfortable in your mouth, talk to your dentist about getting a custom mouth guard made to fit.

Improved Oral Health

You may need to see your dentist more often when you have sensitive teeth, so you can have your teeth professionally cleaned. Removing tartar buildup may help lessen your pain by helping your gums get healthier. Tartar causes gum inflammation and infection. Your gums can even pull away from your teeth. When that happens, cold liquids and foods can seep down to your tooth root and come in contact with the nerve that causes pain. By improving oral health, your gums will be on the road to recovery.

Your dentist may also give you fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel you have left. If the enamel erosion is bad enough, the dentist may suggest covering the most painful teeth with veneers or crowns so the nerves are protected from cold temperatures.

For more information, contact Olympia Dental and Implant Center or a similar location.