Do your teeth hurt whenever you try to enjoy some piping hot tea or a refreshing frozen yogurt? Don’t worry, you’re not alone; about 40 million Americans suffer from tooth pain when eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages. It’s important to understand why your pearly whites react this way so that you can avoid unnecessary damage. Learn the truth about sensitive teeth – as well as some handy tips for taking care of them.
Why are My Teeth Sensitive?
The outer layer of the tooth is composed of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body – even harder than bones. Beneath the enamel is a softer, more permeable layer called the dentin, and at the very center of the tooth is pulp that contains nerve endings and blood vessels.
Normally, the enamel protects the inner layers, but it can become worn down over time or damaged due to decay, excessive brushing, acidic foods or other factors. This makes it easier for the substances you eat or drink to pass through the dentin and irritate the nerves in the pulp.
What Foods and Drinks Should I Avoid with Sensitive Teeth?
In general, you want to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks as well as sugary or acidic substances; these can all aggravate your tooth’s nerves very easily. Here are some specific examples to watch out for:
- Soda: Because sodas are acidic and contain sugar, they can be particularly bad for sensitive teeth.
- Ice Cream: Not only is it cold, but it also contains sugar.
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons, pineapples and grapefruits are all highly acidic, regardless if they’re in solid or liquid form.
- Hot Coffee: The high temperatures are particularly bad for sensitive teeth, especially if you take your coffee with sugar.
- Hard or Sticky Candy: Hard candies can further damage the enamel, and sticky candies tend to, well, stick, meaning the sugar stays in contact with your teeth.
What Should I Do If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
In addition to avoiding problematic foods and drinks, there are other ways you can take care of sensitive teeth and protect your remaining enamel:
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush; you don’t need to scrub too hard to remove any plaque. You should also choose a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Rinse with fluoride to strengthen the enamel (as well as fight against tooth decay).
- If you grind your teeth at night, get a night guard.
Of course, the exact cause of sensitive teeth will vary from person to person. It’d be a good idea to speak with a dentist in Denton about any issues you’re experiencing. Fortunately, by changing just a few habits, you can make life with a sensitive smile much more comfortable.
About the Practice
At Prime Dentistry, Dr. Dhiren Ahir is proud to be serving families in Denton and always take the time to make sure their patients are comfortable during their visits. For your convenience, they’re happy to take appointments on Saturdays as well as certain evenings. If you have concerns about sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment via their website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
