7 Bad Habits That Make Sensitive Teeth Worse
If your teeth ache and ache when you brush your teeth, eat sugary foods, or drink cold drinks, you may have sensitive teeth. This condition can become more severe, if left untreated. Your teeth will experience prolonged pain and a higher level of sensitivity.
Having sensitive teeth is certainly uncomfortable and can interfere with daily activities. Especially if you have a relapsing toothache when you should be enjoying a special moment. Just imagine if you showed a grimace in various photos at your birthday party, because of the teeth of the senate after devouring cake.
In addition, maybe without your realizing it there are some bad habits that turn out to be the cause of your sensitive teeth getting worse.
1. Brushing your teeth too hard
Brushing your teeth too vigorously can make sensitive teeth worse. This bad habit, can reduce the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and cause the opening of the dentin (middle layer of the tooth). It can also lead to gum recession (gum tissue pulling away from the teeth).
When all these conditions occur in the teeth, the teeth will be more sensitive to extreme temperatures or acidic foods. Therefore, change this habit more slowly when brushing your teeth.
2. Using a toothbrush with coarse bristles
Some people think that the stronger or coarser the toothbrush, the better. However, that’s not true, especially for older adults. As people age, the gums push back and the roots of the teeth open, which often increases the sensitivity of the teeth.
Brushing your teeth with bristles that are too hard can irritate the gums and cause tooth sensitivity. Brushing your teeth with bristles that are too hard can erode the tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. We recommend using a toothbrush with finer bristles.
3. Eat acidic foods
Frequently eating foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwi, or pickles, can cause tooth enamel erosion and cause tooth pain.
Avoiding acidic foods can help you reduce pain due to sensitive teeth.
4. Eat cold or hot foods
Eating food that is too cold or too hot can make sensitive teeth worse. Especially if you have a habit of chewing ice, this will worsen the condition of your teeth.
Over time, this habit can cause tooth enamel to erode, which can make your teeth ache or ache.
In addition, the habit of eating hot food and then immediately drinking cold, or vice versa, is also one of the bad habits that can cause tooth erosion and teeth to become more sensitive.
5. Using toothpaste that is not appropriate
People with sensitive teeth need to use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth, not regular toothpaste. This is because toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth contains ingredients to reduce tooth sensitivity such as potassium nitrate.
Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth every time you brush your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day regularly to lighten the sensitivity of your teeth.
6. Using mouthwash
Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, acids and other chemicals that can make sensitive teeth worse, especially if your dentin is exposed.
Instead, try flossing your teeth to clean any food debris that has slipped between your teeth and can’t be reached by the toothbrush.
7. The habit of grinding teeth
Often grinding your teeth is a nervous habit that reflects anxiety. This habit is called bruxism. This habit can be the cause of your sensitive teeth getting worse, because it can damage the enamel and make your dentin open.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
