As the weather gets warmer, many of us will be enjoying icy drinks and frozen treats in the pool, by the beach, or at a barbeque. As you increase your exposure to cold consumables, you may notice dental sensitivity pop up. Keep reading to get more information from our Glendale dentists…
Underlying Causes
Tooth pain and sensitivity develop when the nerves of your teeth are too exposed to irritants. This may happen because your dental enamel and dentin have worn away over time, or because protective gum tissue has pulled away from the tooth root. Dental damage, like cracks and chips in the teeth, can also result in pain or sensitivity.
At-home Options
The simplest way to address sensitive teeth is to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. For many patients, these methods deliver effective short-term relief at home. There are also other ingredients that have been shown to minimize tooth discomfort—turmeric, green tea, and capsaicin, for example. Try to incorporate these ingredients into your daily diet for additional relief.
Specialty Products
There are a number of over-the-counter oral hygiene products, including toothpaste and mouth rinse, that are formulated for sensitive teeth. In many cases these formulations are designed to be both gentle and soothing. Your dentist can help you determine what type of sensitive solution is best for you.
Don’t let dental sensitivity or discomfort hamper your summer plans. Our Glendale dentists can help you manage discomfort and support a healthy, pain-free smile. Give our team a call to learn more!