2018-06-07T14:01:00
(BPT) – A frozen ice pop on the porch. A tart and sweet lemonade at a picnic. A chilled beer with friends at the game. Perfect summer moments to make you smile, right? Not if you are one of the 40 million Americans who has sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental complaints for people across the country, but many think that living with discomfort or even pain is unavoidable. The good news is that there are tried-and-true options, as well as some breakthrough solutions that are changing the way people manage sensitive teeth. Start with some of these five tips to keep smiling all summer long.
1. Limit acidic drinks
If fresh-squeezed OJ sounds more like a burden than breakfast, you probably have sensitive teeth. Instead of avoiding drinks you love, try using a straw to bypass contact with teeth, while still enjoying some of your favorites. Another tip is to avoid brushing your teeth right before or after drinking beverages with high acidity. You may want to, but it can actually make things worse in the moment. Try a glass of milk to neutralize the acidity instead.
2. Get some expert protection
The oral care experts at Colgate just released two new products, both available online, to protect all of those sensitive smiles out there. Their Colgate Anywhere, Anytime™ serum is – as the name implies — an on-the-go solution, while Colgate Pro-Relief™ is for at-home prep. It starts working on contact — just massage into sensitive areas for one minute and you’re good to go!
3. Ease up with the toothbrush
Don’t stop brushing your teeth twice a day like the dentist says, but ease up on the vigor. Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristle brush can wear down the enamel that protects your teeth’s nerves. Opt for a soft-bristle brush and be sure you’re brushing gently back-and-forth. A little TLC can go a long way to reducing sensitivity.
4. Avoid the grind … literally
We’ve come a long way from those night guards of the 1980s, but that doesn’t mean they’re not useful. If you grind your teeth at night, that can wear on enamel and cause sensitivity. Check with your dentist or even pick up a mouth guard in the oral care section of your local drug store. You can look like a pro athlete and avoid the daily grind. (Wasn’t that always the dream anyway?)
5. Consult a professional
Whether you have sensitive teeth now or think they may be starting to get a little more sensitive, talking to your dentist is vital. She or he will have insights specific to your mouth and lifestyle to continue to protect your enamel for a lifetime.