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How to Cure Tooth Sensitivity

If you are one of the millions of people with sensitive teeth, you know all too well how painful it is to drink liquids that are too hot or too cold. Tooth sensitivity, which is the common term for dentin hypersensitivity, is mainly caused by the exposure of dentin on your teeth which happens when the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) erodes away. Enamel is damaged and worn away by vigorous teeth brushing, the consumption of acidic foods and the grinding of teeth. Although it is painful, tooth sensitivity is manageable. Take control of your sensitive teeth and rid yourself of unnecessary oral discomfort.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Desensitizing toothpaste
  • Dental floss
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Instructions

  1. Brushing & Flossing

    • 1

      Apply desensitizing toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that is two centimeters long. Desensitizing toothpaste is specially formulated for people with sensitive teeth and does not cause pain during brushing. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best, as they are gentle on teeth and do not erode enamel.

    • 2

      Hold the toothbrush in your hand and softly press the head of the toothbrush up to the area between your front two teeth and your gums. Position the toothbrush at a slight angle, so the bristles reach the lip of your gums.

    • 3

      Move the toothbrush in small circles along the entire lips of your gums, both top and bottom. Clean your gums thoroughly, as improper cleaning leaves behind germs and bacteria which promote tooth decay. Tooth decay rots away the enamel on your teeth, leading to dentin hypersensitivity.

    • 4

      Glide the toothbrush in small circles along the back of your teeth, both top and bottom. Clean the back of your teeth thoroughly, being sure to brush the area where your teeth meet the top of your mouth.

    • 5

      Brush your teeth, continuing with the small circles. Clean the front and back of every tooth. Make sure that the bristles penetrate the area between the teeth to clean out any unseen particles of food.

    • 6

      Rinse your mouth with water. Spit the water out; do not swallow it.

    • 7

      Floss your teeth thoroughly, especially between each and every tooth. Any food that is left inside of your mouth, whether it is stuck between your teeth or resting on your gums, can lead to tooth decay and dentin hypersensitivity.

    • 8

      Rinse your mouth with water once more.

    • 9

      Cleanse with mouthwash. Swish the mouthwash around your entire mouth. Gargle the mouthwash in the back of your throat before spitting it out. Mouthwash kills bacteria that is missed during the brushing process, which helps prevent eventual dentin hypersensitivity.

    Diet & Lifestyle

    • 10

      Do not eat or drink foods with a high level of acidity. Common food items with a high level of acidity include citrus fruits, wine, fruit juice and soda.

    • 11

      Do not frequently eat hard foods such as nuts, peanut brittle and hard candies.

    • 12

      Sleep the recommended amount of hours for a person your age. Getting at least eight hours of sleep is the general rule of thumb. Proper rest helps reduce stress levels in people. The lower your stress level, the less of a chance you will grind your teeth while you sleep. Grinding your teeth while you sleep leads to dentin hypersensitivity.

    • 13

      Exercise regularly. Along with adequate sleep, exercise reduces stress levels in people.

    • 14

      Schedule routine dental check-ups. Schedule at least one dental check-up per year.

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