At your recent appointment, you told your dentist you were experiencing tooth sensitivity. Your dentist confirmed that you have enamel erosion, a condition that results when the enamel on your teeth has been worn away. So why is this happening and what can you do about it?
Many people are affected by both enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity — pain or discomfort to the teeth that often occurs from dental erosion. Many factors can contribute to enamel erosion including:
- Consuming acidic food and beverages or foods, such as citrus foods, tomatoes and orange juice
- Eating too much sugar or too many sweet treats
- Brushing teeth too hard
- Teeth grinding to relieve stress
There are things you can do to relieve the sensitivity you have now and to protect teeth from becoming more sensitive in the future:
- Brush your teeth correctly with a soft bristled toothbrush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how.
- Limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages. If you do drink acidic beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. This will help reduce acid erosion.
- Keep a log of what you eat to determine if the tooth sensitivity is related to consumption of food or beverages.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and/or mouth rinse to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
- If you have tooth sensitivity, use a fluoride toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
- See your dental professional to assess your dental health. Ask what you can do to prevent further tooth sensitivity.
© Copyright 2010 Colgate-Palmolive Company
11/15/2010
