Hate that cold, tingly feeling in your mouth every time you eat cold foods? Dr. Michael Finkelstein sheds the light on everything to do with sensitive teeth, including foods to avoid and how to treat it. Read on for more.
1. There are different degrees of sensitivity – it can range from just a sensation from eating cold food, to extreme pain. If you do experience extreme pain, you should go and visit your dentist to get it treated.
2. Sensitive teeth is a result of your dentinal tubules being exposed and the nerve ending inside the tubules having a reaction to cold or hot food, which causes the pain. This is usually due to the gum receding or toothbrush abrasion rubbing away the enamel of the tooth from heavy brushing or gum disease. Always use a soft toothbrush to minimise enamel abrasion. Colgate Optic White Toothbrush in Soft, $5.99
3. Did you know that sensitive teeth can be treated? Try a mouthwash for at least 21 days to effectively kill germs, control plaque and block tubules in the teeth for reduced sensitivity. Listerine Total Care Mouthwash, $9.45
4. Sensitive teeth can come back with poor oral hygiene. Technically, you’ll get that cold feeling in your mouth again when there’s more damage to the teeth or when the tubules become exposed again.
5. Here’s some bad news for most – avoid cold food, extremely hot food and chocolate when you have sensitive teeth.
What are your top oral hygiene tips? Tell us in the comments below.
