What to Do About Sensitive Teeth

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 03 Apr 2005 - 8:00 PDT

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Foods - hot, cold, sweet or sour - can cause pain in a sensitive tooth. Touch or even air can be bothersome, too.

Usually the pain stems from enamel erosion or gum recession. The April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers tips to manage the problem:

Use a desensitizing toothpaste -- They contain compounds that help block sensation that might otherwise stimulate pain in the tooth's nerve. Choose a product that displays the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Avoid using whitening or tartar control toothpastes as they may increase sensitivity to hot or cold.

Brush properly -- Use a soft toothbrush and brush with short back-and-forth strokes and a gentle up-and-down motion. Brush thoroughly, and floss daily.

See your dentist -- If you still have discomfort when brushing, flossing, chewing or drinking, you may need dental treatment. Sometimes coating sensitive areas of affected teeth with a fluoride gel or special desensitizing agent helps. If the culprit is tooth decay, a cracked tooth or worn filling, these should be treated.

Here is a highlight from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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