If you’ve ever experienced a sharp jolt of pain while chomping into some ice cream, chances are you’ve got sensitive teeth.
Don’t panic, it’s actually quite common. In fact, according to a survey of U.S. dental offices, it was reported that one in and eight people suffer from over-sensitive teeth. The most common people being young adults, women, and people who had receding gums.
Contrary to what you might believe, tooth sensitivity can be triggered by multiple things. It’s not hereditary or anything and you don’t just wake up one day and experience extremely sensitive teeth, it’s something that can develop over time.
For the most part, maintaining a healthy smile comes down to moderation and getting into a healthy habit of things.
So if the last ice cream you had was a disaster, maybe it’s time you take a look at what you’re doing with your teeth.
Acidic overload
Teeth are protected by something called enamel, which is the hard glossy substance that covers the crown of a tooth.
When the enamel is broken down, it exposes small tubes that connect nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside the tooth.
When you eat too many acidic foods, you effectively break down the enamel and sensitize your teeth.
Try not to eat foods that are heavily acidic, like fruits, tomato sauce, pickles, lemon, and much more.
Hulk with the brush
Today’s society seems to always think more is better. But more often than now, less is more. In the case of brushing your teeth, the same principle applies.
By brushing too aggressively you can wear away the protective material on your teeth that cover nerve endings.
So the next time you’re brushing your teeth, ease up a little bit. Also, consider buying a toothbrush with softer bristles that are easy on the teeth.
Beauty is pain
Many foods are capable of staining your teeth, like coffee, tea, and wine. Too much of any of these and your teeth get yellow as the sun.
Luckily there are teeth whiteners out there that help remove those deep coffee stains.
But, if you’re not careful, the whitening chemicals in some products can actually make your teeth more sensitive.
Whenever beginning any teeth whitening treatment, you should always start out slow and take it easy. Remember, less is more when it comes to your teeth!
Too much mouth wash!
You may think you’re doing the world a favor by regulating the stinky breath, but as always, too much of something is never good.
Mouthwash can contain alcohol and whitening chemicals that sensitize your teeth.
You can avoid this by buying fluoride rinses. You can also just floss instead of rinse!
