Weak & Sensitive Teeth? 7 Tips for Better Oral Care

Anyone who’s ever sat through a warm, humid afternoon would understand the refreshing comfort that a cold glass brings. However, the experience is not all the same for everyone. For some people with sensitive teeth, sipping a frosty drink may also bring a miserable sharp pain or pangingilo.

Having sensitive teeth or dental hypersensitivity is experienced by many people worldwide and commonly occurs in ages 20 to 50 years old. The pain usually happens when the tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures and can be felt in the form of a slight twinge or aching sensation. Luckily, it’s not a condition without a solution.

What causes teeth sensitivity?

Enamel wear or gum recessions are the typical culprits for sensitive teeth, but what are these exactly? Enamel refers to the outermost layer of your tooth, known as the hardest substance found inside your body. Despite this being the case, the enamel is not immune to being worn away.

The enamel may deteriorate and expose the delicate dentin beneath through abnormal teeth grinding, aggressive tooth brushing, and acid erosion (by eating acidic food). And it’s not just pain sensitivity that you’ll have to think about when the enamel has worn off; you may also become more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.

On the other hand, gum recession happens when gums pull away from your teeth and expose the dentin. Over-brushing your teeth may cause your gums to recede, but natural causes such as gum disease or aging may also be culprits.

When you start feeling the symptoms of tooth sensitivity, you’ve no need to fret. There are simple changes and tweaks you can do to fortify your dental health. Here are some tips you’d want to take note of.

1. Brush properly, twice a day

Knowing how to brush your teeth properly is vital in preventing the build-up of dental plaque, which produces acid that erodes the enamel and compromises healthy gums. Amp up your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth in a gentle and circular motion. Do this practice twice a day, ensuring that you’re also brushing your upper and lower molars. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria.

2. But don’t brush too hard, too often

It’s a good habit to keep your oral hygiene in check, but be careful in overdoing it. Brushing your teeth aggressively and too frequently can also cause adverse effects on your dental and gum health. Making a habit of over-brushing your teeth daily can eventually wear down the protective layer of the dentin and make you prone to aches and tooth decay.

3. Use a toothbrush with softer bristles

Cleaning your teeth with soft-bristled toothbrushes is better for your oral health. These softer bristles effectively remove plaque on and between your teeth and along the gum line while not being too harsh on your teeth. You may also consider using electric toothbrushes as studies have proven they’re more effective in clearing out plaque to reduce tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Floss once a day

Even with thorough brushing, there can still be debris from your last meal stuck between your teeth. That is why it’s just as essential to floss once a day. Flossing clears out tiny bits of food and helps reduce plaque build up and stimulate the gums. When flossing, refrain from gliding the floss into your gums as this may cause damage and scratches.

5. Consider Fluoride or Sensitivity Toothpaste

Although all types of toothpaste are enough to clean off plaque from your teeth, using fluoride toothpaste gives you the additional benefit of strengthening your tooth enamel. Fluoride is a natural mineral proven to make your teeth more resistant to acidic food that causes dental cavities and tooth decay. Studies from American communities report that fluoride in their water systems prevents tooth decay in at least 25% of both children and adults.

6. Drink more water in a day

Food with high sugar content and beverages such as tea and coffee are acidic food types that may affect your teeth without proper oral care. To cushion their effects, drinking more water can dilute it by keeping your mouth clean and hydrated to protect your teeth from acid attacks.

7. Visit your dentist regularly

Turning these practices into solid daily habits would serve you well to give the best care to your dental hygiene. But it would be best if you didn’t stop there. You should also make it a point to schedule appointments with your dentist for checkups and cleaning at least twice a year. Having a dentist by your side will keep you away from plaque build-up and potential issues that may arise. Not to mention, they can also give you professional recommendations on how to best take care of your teeth and gums.

Don’t let pangingilo or sensitive teeth ruin more enjoyable moments with your morning coffee and icy cold drinks. When dental sensitivity is a recurring problem, it’s time to enhance your oral hygiene with recommended practices and toothpaste to cater to your needs. Reap the benefits of stronger and fortified teeth with the help of Sensodyne’s Fluoride Toothpaste. Get yours today at MyPharma and allow us to fill your days with brighter smiles. — (MyPharma)