If you have sensitive teeth, you know how even the simplest activities—like sipping a hot drink or biting into an ice cream cone—can turn into painful experiences. At Mountain View Family Dental, we understand that tooth sensitivity can make you hesitant to seek out dental cleanings, even though they're essential for maintaining optimal oral health and a healthy smile.
We’re here to help! Our compassionate team takes extra care to ensure your routine cleaning is as comfortable and pain-free as possible while also providing strategies to reduce sensitivity. You can experience relief and improve your oral health without discomfort through the right approach.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity, which is also known as dentin hypersensitivity, occurs when the inner layer of your tooth—the dentin—is exposed. This layer contains tiny tubules filled with nerve endings that can become irritated by certain triggers, such as hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic food, or even brushing your teeth too aggressively.
For many people, sensitivity is triggered by exposure to hot or cold drinks, citrus fruits, cold air, brushing or flossing, and teeth-whitening products. Addressing these triggers and managing sensitivity is crucial for a healthy dental and oral care routine. Left unchecked, tooth sensitivity can lead to more serious dental issues, such as pain, gum recession, cavities, or even tooth loss.
The Role of Dentin Exposure
The protective enamel on your teeth acts as a barrier between the environment and the sensitive dentin underneath. When this enamel wears down, or if you have receding gums, triggers come into contact with the exposed dentin and you begin to suffer from sensitivity or pain. This can happen because of aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or natural wear over time.
How Gum Recession Contributes to Sensitivity
The roots are exposed when gums pull back from the teeth, which can also lead to sensitivity. Gum recession can be caused by periodontal or gum disease too, brushing too hard, or even grinding your teeth. We’ll help identify the cause of your recession and suggest treatments to protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity.
Choosing the Right Products Before Your Next Dental Deep Cleaning
Toothbrush Selection
A soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for individuals with sensitive teeth. Hard bristles can wear down enamel and aggravate gums, which can worsen teeth sensitivity further. We recommend choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth without causing further damage.
When it comes to choosing between electric and manual toothbrushes, both have their pros and cons for treating sensitive teeth well. Electric toothbrushes often come with sensitive modes that ensure a gentle, consistent clean, while manual brushes allow for more control over pressure. Speak with your dentist about which option might be best for your sensitivity.
Choosing the right size toothbrush head can make a big difference in comfort and effectiveness. A smaller head allows you to navigate tight spaces and clean thoroughly without irritating your gums. Look for a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and reaches all areas without causing discomfort.
Toothpaste Options
Desensitizing toothpaste contains active ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help block the pain signals from the tooth’s nerves. With regular use, these kinds of toothpaste can significantly reduce teeth sensitivity.
Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it less likely to wear down and expose the sensitive dentin underneath. Fluoride also provides extra protection against cavities, which can be a common concern for those with sensitive teeth.
Fluoride-free toothpaste options are available. These are made from ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, or baking soda for those who prefer a more natural approach. While these can be gentler on sensitive teeth, it’s important to discuss with your dentist whether a natural toothpaste option is right for your oral health, as it may lack certain protective benefits.
Mouthwash Choices
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can be too harsh for people with sensitive teeth, causing further irritation. Opting for an alcohol-free version can help cleanse and freshen your mouth without the burning sensation.
Fluoride-based mouthwashes offer additional protection against cavities and can strengthen enamel, helping to reduce teeth sensitivity over time.
If you prefer a natural option, there are mouthwashes made with ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or xylitol, which can soothe sensitive teeth and gums. However, be sure to read labels carefully and avoid harsh ingredients that might cause irritation when you rinse your mouth.
Effective Brushing Techniques
Proper Pressure: Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums, leading to more teeth sensitivity. Apply gentle pressure when brushing, and let the bristles do the work.
Circular Motion Technique: Brushing in small, circular motions is a gentle yet effective way to clean your teeth without damaging sensitive areas.
Angled Brushing: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums to effectively clean the gumline without causing irritation.
Brushing Frequency
Brushing twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—is ideal for maintaining optimal oral health without overbrushing sensitive teeth. You should wait at least 30 minutes if you feel the need to brush after a meal.
Avoid brushing too soon after eating acidic foods can weaken enamel and increase sensitivity. Aim to brush for two minutes each time, and ensure that you’re cleaning all areas of your mouth without overdoing it.
Flossing for Sensitive Teeth
Types of Floss
Waxed floss tends to glide more smoothly between your teeth and is gentler on sensitive gums than unwaxed floss, which can feel rough. Floss picks or water flossers can be great alternatives for good oral hygiene if traditional flossing is too uncomfortable.
Water flossers, in particular, are gentle and effective for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline. Silk floss can be a gentle and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic floss for those seeking a natural option.
Flossing Techniques
Use a gentle, slow motion when flossing, and avoid snapping the floss into your gums to prevent irritation. Daily flossing is essential for removing plaque and food debris that can contribute to sensitivity.
Flossing after meals can help remove particles that might trigger discomfort if you’re prone to sensitivity, especially if you’ve eaten something sugary or acidic.
Additional Dental Care Tips
Rinsing with Warm Water: Rinse your mouth with warm water to soothe sensitive teeth and gums, helping to relieve discomfort.
Adding Salt to Water: Mixing a little salt into your water rinse can create a natural antiseptic that promotes healing and reduces inflammation in sensitive areas.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Sugar: Foods and beverages that are high in acid or sugar can weaken tooth enamel and trigger sensitivity. It is best to limit your intake of such foods to protect your teeth.
Healthier Alternatives: Try to incorporate more calcium-rich foods into your diet, such as cheese and leafy greens, to strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Importance of Hydration: Staying hydrated helps promote saliva production, which plays a key role in neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth from sensitivity triggers.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help protect your teeth between meals.
Importance of Regular Dental Exam and Cleaning for Sensitive Teeth
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly, especially if you have sensitive teeth. We’ll monitor the condition of your teeth and recommend treatments to help alleviate teeth sensitivity and pain, and to maintain optimal oral health.
Having a professional routine dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup that contributes to sensitivity. Let us know about your sensitivity and we’ll tailor your whole professional cleaning process to be as comfortable as possible.
At Mountain View Family Dental, we’re here to help you find relief from tooth sensitivity and ensure your next dental procedures and cleanings are comfortable and effective.
Schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s work together on a care plan that’s perfect for your sensitive teeth!
