The harsh winter weather can affect our health in many ways– our immune system, our mental state, our skin, but did you know it can also affect our teeth? As dentists in Cary NC, we know that, even though it’s cold outside, there can still be a lot to smile about, and our dentists in Cary, NC are committed to protecting your teeth this winter and all year round. Unfortunately in the winter, hot beverages plus cold air often equals tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can range from occasional, slight discomfort to raw and near constant pain. Even when the pain quickly subsides, it would still behoove you to speak with some reputable dentists in Cary NC, to ensure that the pain does not indicate a cavity or something more severe.
There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. Generally, it occurs when tooth enamel is worn away, exposing the dentine layer beneath. Dentine is where our teeth’s nerve endings lie. These nerve endings send pain and temperature signals to our brain when exposed to heat or cold. Good oral hygiene is a must for protecting our teeth from sensitivity. However, good hygiene does not mean over brushing. There are specific ways in which we should care for sensitive teeth in the winter time and throughout the year. Here are some helpful tips from our dentists in Cary, NC:
- Don’t overbrush. Not only is overbrushing an unnecessary practice, it can actually harm our teeth. Brushing your teeth more than 2-3 times a day for more than two (2) minutes per session can wear away at the tooth enamel that is meant to protect your teeth. Furthermore, if you are prone to sensitivity, you should use a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste that is nonabrasive.
- Change your toothpaste. If you are lucky, this solution should be enough for you to fight tooth sensitivity. There are many toothpastes on the market today that are specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Desensitizing toothpastes will help to minimize the pain and discomfort experienced with sensitive teeth. When you consult with our dentists in Cary, NC, we can recommend a toothpaste that will work best for you.
- Try a flouride treatment. Our dentists in Cary, NC offer an array of preventative care dentistry including flouride treatments. Flouride treatments help to fight tooth decay and reverse tooth erosion, replacing minerals that were lost with enamel. At our Cary NC dentists’ office, flouride treatments can involve biting into a flouride foam tray for one minute, or having a flouride varnish “painted” on the teeth.
- Most importantly, watch what you eat. Sugary and acidic foods can both erode our teeth. It is best, therefore, to limit your intake of these items. When you do consume sugary or acidic drinks, use a straw, to keep the liquids away from your teeth, and do not brush your teeth immediately after, as your teeth are in a weakened state.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, following these steps may help improve the health of your smile, but, as always, our number one tip for healthy teeth is to visit regularly with your dentist. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Alliance Dentistry today.