Tags
acid foods, active ingredients, bite, cavity, injury, orange juice, potassium nitrate, root, sensitive teeth, vinegar
STOP TOOTH SENSITIVITY!
Do you have sensitive teeth? What can you do to fix that?
If many teeth are sensitive to cold food or drink, start using Sensodyne Toothpaste- or any toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. That toothpaste will be labeled, “FOR SENSITIVE TEETH.” Check the active ingredients. It really, truly works, but takes 1-2 months. Then keep using it.
KNOW WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVITY THEN STOP DOING IT!-)
Drinking too many acid drinks is notorious for making teeth sensitive. All drinks tart like orange juice are acidic. OJ is high in sugar, too. (See my last blog on Acid Foods and Drinks). Don’t drink too much and rinse with water after you drink it.
I had one patient last year who suddenly developed very sensitive teeth. She was not drinking any acidic juices at all. She was eating a lot of fresh tomatoes in season that spring. So watch out for acidic foods, too. Too much vinegar salad dressing can cause tooth irritation, too.
If you develop sensitive teeth, ask yourself, “Am I doing a lot of something lately?” You will almost always find the cause as something you are doing too much.
When one tooth is especially sensitive, it can be something else:
1. A cavity in that tooth.
2. Your bite hitting too hard on that one tooth.
3. Gum tissue recession exposing the root. (Roots have feeling.)
4. An injury to the tooth.
The only way to find one of these problems is to see your dentist.
It is reasonable to give mild pain a couple of days to go away on its’ own. If it is strong discomfort, don’t wait! That is a different symptom. Your teeth should feel comfortable when eating and brushing. Do whatever it takes to keep your teeth! They are important and unique to your sense of self- as well as to your eating!
W Bryon Satterfield, DDS, MAGD General dentist in The Woodlands with excellent care, skill and judgment from decades of experience in precision practice and teaching. Things work! 281-363-1571
Visit his website: docsatterfield.com