For people with sensitive teeth, everyday activities can be difficult. Eating, drinking and even brushing your teeth can cause sharp pain which can be discouraging.  Sometimes this pain can be caused by a cavity or other oral ailments such as cracked and chipped teeth, old fillings, or even gum disease. However, in regular cases of sensitive teeth, the underlying cause is usually less serious and can be treated outside your dentist’s office. Weakened tooth enamel is usually the culprit behind tooth sensitivity. Enamel is a hard layer on your teeth that acts as a barrier protecting nerve endings within the tooth from daily use.

If you experience tooth pain related to enamel sensitivity, you can take proactive steps to reduce your pain.

Brush Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re a heavy-handed brusher, ease up! You could be doing more harm than good every time you brush your teeth. Instead of just plaque, you could be scraping away precious layers of enamel! Incorporate a desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride oral rinse into your brushing routine to maximize your enamel-boosting efforts.

Swap the soda

While there are plenty of serious adverse health reasons already to quit swigging on a sugary soft drink, soda is one of the primary culprits that contributes to weakened tooth enamel. It’s high sugar and citric acid content strips away enamel. If you regularly drink acidic beverages such as soda, juice, or alcohol, try drinking water after to regulate the acidity levels in your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.

If tooth sensitivity is still an issue after introducing proper oral care and fluoride options to restore enamel, your dentist can provide additional ways to alleviate pain and protect your teeth.