During the holiday season, you may find yourself drinking more hot drinks and eating more hard candies than usual. If you have sensitive teeth, this can be a painful time of the year! Sensitive teeth can be a symptom of a wide variety of issues. Some of the causes of sensitive teeth include teeth grinding, gum recession, worn tooth enamel, exposed dentin, tooth erosion from acidic foods and drinks, and post-dental treatment sensitivity.

No matter the cause, it’s no fun to be in pain while all the festivities are going on! There are many ways you can take care of your teeth and prevent oral pain. Reach out to us at OM Dental, the best family dentist in New Britain, if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. In the meantime, check out these tips to help you manage the pain.

• Try using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. Many kinds of toothpaste for sensitive teeth use fluoride to help rebuild tooth enamel. Tooth enamel helps protect the sensitive root of your tooth, and rebuilding it may help you strengthen your teeth and manage your pain!

• Swap out the hard-bristled toothbrush for a soft-bristled one. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be really harsh on your gums. Worn down gums will expose the sensitive parts of your teeth. Give your mouth a break and switch to a more soothing brush.

• Avoid acidic foods and beverages. Coffee, citrus, and carbonated drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. Try to avoid them if at all possible, and drink acidic drinks through a straw to limit their contact with your teeth.

• Additionally, make sure to avoid brushing your teeth right after you eat or drink something acidic. Have some milk or cheese to neutralize the acid in your mouth. Brushing right after you have something acidic can lead to increased pain.

• Consider wearing a mouth guard if your tooth sensitivity comes from tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel and cause pain or sensitivity. A mouth guard will protect your enamel and prevent your teeth from cracking or breaking due to excessive grinding.

• If you’re in a moment of pain, avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold. Drink room temperature water until the pain resides.

• Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum produces saliva which will strengthen your enamel. Make sure the gum doesn’t have sugar, otherwise you may get new tooth pain from a cavity!

• Avoid whitening treatments. Whitening treatments can increase tooth sensitivity. Protecting your enamel is a great way to keep your teeth looking pearly white. The layers of your tooth beneath the enamel can have a yellowish tint. Rebuilding your enamel will help get rid of this color.

Don’t suffer in silence if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity. Make an appointment with us at OM Dental, the best dentist in New Britain, and we’ll help you figure out the cause of your pain. We have expertise in many areas of dentistry, including periodontal therapy, implant dentistry, and oral surgery. To learn more about the range of dental services we offer, visit our website at http:/omdentalllc.com/.