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Best Practices for Managing Tooth Sensitivity: Tips For A Pain-Free Smile

Best Practices for Managing Tooth Sensitivity: Tips For A Pain-Free Smile

You know how unpleasant tooth sensitivity can be if you’ve ever felt pain when sipping a cold drink or breathed in sharply when biting into sweet ice cream. But you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a prevalent issue that affects people of all ages. With the proper preventative care and treatment, tooth sensitivity can be managed properly so you can eat and drink all your favourite foods pain-free.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the layer underneath your enamel called dentin gets exposed, often due to receding gums. Dentin contains thousands of tiny tubules leading directly to the nerves. So, when these tubules are exposed, hot or cold foods or liquids can trigger sharp pain signals.

Some common culprits of sensitivity include:

  • Aggressive brushing habits that wear down enamel
  • Teeth grinding or clenching that chips away at protection
  • Gum recession from improper flossing techniques
  • Acidic food and drinks that erode enamel over time
  • Dental procedures like fillings or whitening treatments
  • Cracked or broken teeth

The first step is determining what’s causing sensitivity for you specifically. Make note if pain is triggered by hot coffee, cold water, sugary sweets, or pressure on a certain tooth. Paying attention to what aggravates your symptoms helps decide the best treatment plan. Moreover, you must consider the tooth sensitivity remedy to avoid any problems.

Prevention Is Key

We all know preventing problems rather than treating them is way easier. This definitely applies to managing tooth sensitivity! Making oral care a priority in your daily routine keeps your smile protected. You may also look for tooth sensitivity treatment options for teeth.

Brush Teeth Gently

Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently in circular motions twice daily. No aggressive scrubbing, which can damage enamel and dentin over the long run. Spending at least two minutes per brushing ensures you thoroughly clean all surfaces without being too harsh. To maintain your teeth healthy, you can also use Dabur Red Paste on a daily basis.

Floss Every Day

While brushing focuses on the surface plaque, flossing cleans between teeth and below the gumline, where decay starts. Gently gliding floss against the sides of each tooth removes bacteria and food debris. For added ease of use, try pre-threaded floss picks.

Rinse After Acidic Foods

After eating acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, or carbonated beverages, rinse immediately with water. Acidity softens protective enamel, so brushing too soon can remove even more. The teeth whitening for sensitive teeth is a great option that many dentists suggest.

See Your Dentist

Even the most diligent brushers and flossers should see a dentist every 6 months. Getting regular cleanings prevents mineral-eroding plaque buildup. Checking in with a dentist ensures no underlying issues are worsening sensitivity like cavities, cracks, etc. If you have sensitivity, tell your dentist so they can recommend products and monitor your progress.

What Products Relieve Tooth Pain?

Using speciality products formulated to treat sensitivity helps strengthen enamel and block pain signals. Here are the top options dentists recommend:

Desensitising Toothpaste

Brands like Dabur aim to plug exposed dentin tubules with ingredients like strontium, fluoride, or stannous fluoride. Therefore, brushing with Dabur’s Red Paste twice daily allows the active ingredients to take effect over several weeks.

Desensitizing Mouthwash

Mouthwash offers extra ammunition against sensitivity discomfort between brushing sessions. Many brands contain soothing potassium nitrate to help calm frazzled nerves.

Fluoride Treatments

In-office fluoride treatments reinforce enamel strength and integrity to prevent sensitivity. Fluoride helps replenish calcium and minerals that keep teeth protected. Dentists may also apply sealants and resin material to shield areas of exposed dentin.

Adjusting Your Lifestyle

In addition to using specialized products, making thoughtful adjustments to your everyday habits reduces sensitivity to impact.

  • Drink cold beverages through a straw placed behind teeth
  • Allow hot coffee to cool slightly before sipping
  • Enjoy ice cream and popsicles slowly instead of biting chunks
  • Cut acidic foods like citrus fruits into small pieces
  • Switch to a softer toothbrush if needed
  • Chew carefully and evenly to minimise pressure points

Seeing a Dentist for Severe Sensitivity

While the above home care tips help manage general sensitivity discomfort, severe or persistent tooth pain merits professional help. Promptly contact your dentist if sensitivity is:

  • Constant and lingers for days
  • Triggers throbbing pain keeping you up at night
  • Affects multiple teeth
  • Hinders eating, brushing, etc

If sensitivity is left untreated, the problem worsens over time, leading to dental decay and tooth loss. Depending on underlying causes, options like root canals, pulp caps, gum grafts or crowns may be necessary to resolve intense pain. It's better to address things sooner than later!

Conclusion

Nobody wants to hide their smile because of nagging sensitivity pains. You can get sensitivity under control by understanding causes, being proactive with oral care, using proven relief products, seeing a dentist for severe cases, and using Dabur Red Paste regularly. Then you can confidently enjoy all your favourite hot and cold foods with healthy, happy teeth!

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

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