A scoop of ice cream. A sip of cold water. If you struggle with tooth sensitivity, these cold foods and drinks can cause an unexpected jolt of intense pain.
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common issues experienced by almost everyone. It’s caused by the gradual wearing down of your protective layer of tooth enamel, exposing the inner part of your tooth called dentin, where your nerves are located. These triggers—like cold foods, drinks, or even a sudden burst of cold air—can agitate those nerves, causing intense, sharp pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.
Here are 5 ways to help you deal with your tooth sensitivity to cold triggers.
Use a Straw
Just because cold drinks trigger your sensitive teeth, doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether. Instead of sipping on them directly from the glass, try to drink them through a straw. This allows the liquid to pass over your teeth completely and will greatly reduce your tooth sensitivity.
Use your Lips
Deserts, especially colder ones like cheesecake, ice cream, and yogurts are meant to be enjoyed by the spoonful. However, this means direct contact with your teeth. A simple trick to avoiding this mishap is to use your lips as a guard around your teeth when ‘biting’ into a delicious desert. Simply curl your lips in around your teeth as you take bites. You get to enjoy your sweets and your teeth feel at ease.
Use your Nose to Breathe
If it’s cold outside and your mouth or jaw is aching, this could be due to tooth sensitivity. To prevent a breeze of cold air clashing against your sensitive teeth, use a scarf to loosely cover your mouth and breathe steadily through your nose when you’re outside. This way you stay warm and your teeth aren’t left exposed to the cold.
Use Good Oral Care
Reduce your risk of tooth sensitivity to cold by keeping up with good oral care. Brush your teeth twice a day with a softer-bristled or electric toothbrush and continue flossing throughout the day. Don’t allow food build-up on the teeth by using a mouthwash recommended for sensitive teeth by your dentist.
The simple step of keeping a good dental care routine can significantly help prevent sensitive conditions like your enamel wearing down or your gums receding, which can certainly cause tooth sensitivity. The more you protect your tooth enamel, the less chance you have of feeling sharp pains associated with cold foods and drinks.
Use a Good Toothpaste for Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitive toothpastes contain special ingredients that help to fight against and relieve sensitivity. They also help to protect your teeth and gums, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite cold foods, drinks, and activities without any concern. Check with your dentist to see what products are on the market for taking care of your tooth sensitivities.
If you experience any type of tooth sensitivity, even if it’s not due to cold conditions, it’s still important for you to see your dentist regularly.
If you’re looking for a dentist, then please contact North View Dental for getting setup with our friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere. We look forward to helping you and your teeth today!
