Enamel Erosion and Sensitive Teeth – What Do You Do?

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.

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11/15/2010