The Steps To Take For Dental Emergencies The Steps To Take For Dental Emergencies

If you experience sharp pain in your teeth while eating and drinking, especially with hot or cold foods and drinks, then you probably have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth may not seem like a serious problem, but it can be a source of frustration for many sufferers who find it difficult to enjoy their meals.

Simply eating out or socializing with friends can become a dreaded activity if you know it will cause you pain. Children with sensitive teeth may suffer from malnourishment if it causes them to avoid certain types of nutritious foods. As a result, treating sensitive teeth should be a high priority for those who experience the pain caused by the condition. Below is more information on tooth sensitivity and a few practical steps you can take to help alleviate the condition:

The "hole truth" about sensitive teeth

Despite their appearance to the naked eye, your teeth are not impenetrable like stone. In fact, teeth are quite porous and permit the absorption of liquids and gases. Teeth contain tubules, which are microscopic holes, can act as tunnels for cold and hot sensations that travel down to the root and nerve.

The enamel of healthy teeth is a shield against these outside forces, but it can be worn away and expose the tubule-pocked dentin which lies underneath. For sensitive teeth sufferers, the key to healing is to restore and protect tooth enamel so it can serve as a barrier against the transmission of painful sensations.

Don't overindulge in a good thing

While tooth brushing is usually impressed upon the minds of children from an early age, it is possible to overdo brushing and create sensitive teeth as a result. Frequent brushing is associated with the prevention of tooth decay, but it can contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel. Below are a couple of good practices to keep in mind when brushing your teeth:

Use a softer toothbrush

Hard-bristled toothbrushes may seem to clean better, but they are too abrasive for the average person's teeth. Hard brushes scrape deep into enamel, particularly if it has been softened by diet or disease, and should not be used unless specifically directed by a dentist.

Sparingly use whitening and other specialized toothpastes

There are a dizzying number of toothpaste formulations available in stores, and many brands promise to address certain problems that consumers might experience. However, some of these toothpastes, especially those that use micro-abrasive particles, cause rapid erosion of tooth enamel.

While your teeth may appear whiter, keep in mind that this is often due to the destruction of darker-colored outer enamel and the introduction of whiter, "virgin" enamel just underneath. Therefore, most sensitive teeth sufferers should avoid these types of specialized toothpastes and utilize ordinary toothpastes.

As an alternative, certain toothpastes are available for those who experience sensitive teeth pain. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, an effective chemical agent that blocks nerve sensations in the teeth. As a result, your pain is alleviated while your enamel is healed and restored to its normal, healthy state.

Cut down on the acids

Another destructive influence on tooth enamel are foods that are lower on the pH scale, those that contain substantial amounts of acids. Below are a few commonly-eaten food items and drinks that are acidic:

• Tomato-based products
• Fruit and fruit juices
• Vinegar-containing foods such as pickles, sauerkraut and canned salsa
• Carbonated beverages, both non-diet and diet
• Coffee
• Certain kinds of breads and other grain products

These acidic foods and drinks can literally eat your teeth's enamel, so consumption of them should be reduced or eliminated if you suffer from sensitive teeth. In addition, keep in mind that brushing immediately after consuming these items can actually be counterproductive; your teeth enamel is temporarily softened and brushing wipes away the vulnerable enamel. Instead, simply rinsing your mouth with water is sufficient to dilute the acidic contents of your mouth, and you can safely brush your teeth about a half hour later after the enamel re-hardens.

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