HEALTH AND WELLNESS
avoiding foods and drinks that trigger their pain, like acidic citrus fruits and juices or ice cold soda and hot coffee. People shouldn't have to avoid their favorite foods and drinks in fear of the tooth sensitivity that can come with them.
You can help to safeguard your teeth from sensitivity by using a product like new Crest Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste, which wraps teeth in a shield of protection, blocking tubules to provide all day protection. Most people notice a difference within three days, with twice daily brushing, and are able to get back to enjoying their favorite treats - with reduced sensitivity pain.
Tooth decay
If you are experiencing tooth decay, or cavities, those areas can be overly sensitive. Sometimes the areas around old fillings can accumulate bacteria, which leads to further tooth problems and sensitivity.
If tooth pain persists for more than a couple of days, especially when you are not eating or drinking hot or cold items, you should visit your dentist to be sure that you don't have a cavity that needs attention, or an old filling that might need to be replaced. Or you may even have a cracked tooth that needs to be seen by a dentist.
Dental procedures
For anyone who has undergone a recent dental procedure, whether a simple filling, crown placement or something more involved like a root canal, your teeth may experience sensitivity for some time afterward.
Tooth grinding
Your dentist can examine your teeth for signs that you may be grinding them, as it can happen while you are asleep or otherwise unaware of what you're doing.
A mouth guard or other strategy may help resolve this issue.
Brushing too hard
Sometimes using a hard-bristled brush, or simply using too much force while brushing, can contribute to worn enamel, making tooth sensitivity worse.
It's best to continue to brush your teeth regularly, but consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush, and/or simply brush a little more gently. Your dentist may be able to recommend a better toothbrush for you to use. While there can be many causes for your tooth sensitivity, there's no reason you can't enjoy cold or hot foods and beverages without those twinges of pain. With proper oral care practices, you should be able to reduce or resolve tooth sensitivity for good.
To see a short video with Wilson's recommendations about tooth sensitivity, visit lifeminute.tv/health/video/tooth-sensitivity-solutions.
Ask your dentist what an expected time frame might be to expect sensitivity after a procedure, and what to watch for if that sensitivity doesn't go away. Persistent pain after a dental procedure could be a sign of infection.