• Use a desensitizing toothpaste
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Avoid highly acidic foods
• Use a fluoridated mouthwash daily
• Avoid teeth grinding

There are several factors that can contribute to teeth sensitivity, including:

• Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard — This can weaken the enamel on the teeth.
• Gum recession — This can expose sensitive areas of the teeth.
• Gingivitis — Inflammation of the gums can cause teeth to be more sensitive
• Cracked teeth — If a tooth is cracked, it can expose the inside to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Teeth grinding or clenching — This can wear down the teeth, causing them to be more sensitive
• Plaque buildup — The presence of plaque on the teeth can also cause tooth sensitivity.
• Long-term use of mouthwash — Some mouthwashes are acidic, which can exacerbate tooth sensitivity.
• Acidic foods — Acidic foods can cause enamel erosion.
• Dental procedures — Sensitivity can follow a dental procedure, such as a cleaning. This sensitivity usually only lasts a few weeks.

There are several contributing factors to tooth sensitivity, which may come and go over time. Tooth sensitivity might be particularly present following the consumption of a hot food or beverage after eating or drinking something cold. The reverse is also true: eating or drinking something cold after exposing the teeth to a hot food or drink may also temporarily increase tooth sensitivity.

Teeth can become sensitive to cold for various reasons, such as:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Brushing or flossing too hard
• Overuse of acidic mouthwash
• Grinding teeth and stress
• Exposed nerve roots
• Cracks in teeth
• Receding gums

Tooth sensitivity is incredibly prevalent, affecting nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States. To relieve pain associated with tooth sensitivity, try:

• Using a desensitizing toothpaste
• A saltwater rinse
• Consuming honey in warm water
• Increasing your intake of turmeric
• Drinking green tea
• Eating more capsaicin, the spice found in chili peppers

Dentists and endodontists can implement a number of different therapies in the treatment of sensitive teeth. Some of the most common include:

• Bonding, crowns, or inlays — These may fix a flawed tooth or decay that is causing sensitivity.
• Fluoride gel or varnish — Fluoride remineralizes the teeth, making them stronger and more resilient to temperature sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft — If the gum tissue has eroded from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal — For severe tooth sensitivity that has not been helped by other methods, this is a last-resort treatment. The nerve inside the tooth will be pulverized, making the tooth unable to feel pain.

If you or someone you know is experiencing tooth sensitivity, come to Ideal Endodontics today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating sensitive teeth and can help you enjoy the foods and drinks you love! For more information about our sensitive teeth treatment, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. To book an appointment with our tooth sensitivity specialist, visit our website or speak with us over the phone today.