Sensitivity can make everyday moments—like drinking coffee in the morning or brushing your teeth—a painful experience. Often, these sensations are the result of excess wear and tear on the enamel. The guide below offers advice from a dentist for how to achieve a more comfortable smile.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

1. Brush Better

While brushing and flossing are essential for your oral hygiene, doing so too vigorously can increase tooth sensitivity by wearing down your enamel and accelerating gum loss. Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to avoid these issues.

Switching to an electric toothbrush, which is preprogrammed to the correct pressure, is also useful. Additionally, ask your dentist for recommendations for a sensitivity toothpaste.

2. Put a Stop to Teeth Grinding

Many people clench their jaw when stressed. Others will grind their teeth unconsciously at night. If you fall under either category, you may notice a feeling of tightness in the jaw or experience headaches in addition to tooth sensitivity.

While addressing your underlying stress can help alleviate these problems, talk to your dentist about creating a special mouth guard you can wear at night. This will stop the top and bottom rows of your teeth from coming into contact with one another.

3. Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods directly attack tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and your risk for cavities. Soda, coffee, tea, and certain fruits have high acidity levels that will also gradually increase your vulnerability. When you’re craving a snack, foods like cheese or yogurt are a better choice. They increase saliva in your mouth, which helps eliminate bacteria and acid buildup. However, drinking water in between bites and after meals can also help wash acids from the mouth.

When you need help addressing sensitive or painful teeth, turn to Elizabeth A Loseke DDS PC in Kearney, NE. With over 20 years of experience, this dentist uses the latest dental technology and procedures to provide patients with the best care in a comfortable environment. To learn more about her services, visit her office online. Call (308) 234-4564 to set an appointment.