What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

1. Identify the Cause

The first step is to determine what is causing your teeth to be sensitive. This could be due to several factors such as:

- Acidic foods and drinks

- Worn dental fillings

- Gum recession

- Brushing too hard

- Periodontal disease

- Teeth grinding

2. Avoid Triggers

Once you know the cause of your sensitive teeth, you can take steps to avoid the triggers. For example, you can:

- Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, soda, and coffee.

- Be gentle when brushing your teeth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

- Avoid grinding your teeth.

3. Dental Treatment

If your sensitive teeth are caused by a dental problem such as a worn dental filling or gum recession, you will need to see a dentist for treatment. Your dentist may recommend:

- A new dental filling

- A root canal

- Gum grafting surgery

4. Home Remedies

Some home remedies that can help to relieve sensitive teeth include:

- Using a saltwater rinse

- Applying a cold compress to your face

- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

5. When to See a Dentist

If your sensitive teeth do not improve with home remedies or after a few days, you should see a dentist. This is especially important if your sensitivity is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or bleeding gums.