Self-Diagnosis Checklist: 3 Sneaky Signs Your Teeth Are Suffering
How do you know if your teeth are in discomfort (and why drinking from straws is not the only solution)
Do you feel sudden discomfort in your teeth when you do certain things you once considered normal? If the answer is yes, you just might have sensitive teeth. Here are the common symptoms:
1. Hot Drinks are No Longer Your Cup of Tea
Are hot drinks making you wince? When your teeth enamel is worn down or thinning, there is an increased risk of greater exposure of your teeth and gums, making them become more sensitive when you enjoy hot drinks.
2. Cold Food, Drinks and Weather Make You Go Ouch
No longer able to dig into your favorite ice-cold desserts like ice kachang or shaved ice, that colorful tower of yummy treasure that is a favorite across Asia? Suffering from searing pain when eating anything even mildly cold is also a sign of teeth sensitivity.
Unfortunately, it is not just cold food and drinks that affect your teeth, but also icy weather. Inhaling deeply through your mouth can cause a wave of frigid air to hit your teeth, causing you serious pain.
3. Grinding Away
Do you wake up every morning feeling like you have chewed on rubber the whole night? An aching or sensitive jaw and teeth could be a sign of teeth grinding or, as it is also known, bruxism.
It may be an inherited trait or it could be down to stress and anxiety. While teeth grinding may seem like an innocuous habit, it may cause dental damage if not addressed. It is advisable to see a dentist and get a mouth guard in such cases, to prevent further damage to your choppers.
What to Do:
You don’t need to resort to keeping your mouth wired shut in cold weather. Many options are available; for example, specialized mouthwashes that desensitize your teeth.
Or, if you want to keep your teeth healthy and free from discomfort longer-term, try using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, like Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste. It provides instant relief from teeth sensitivity as well as long-lasting sensitivity protection. This way, you can continue biting into life, and the things you love to eat, without hesitation.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
