If you feel any pain when wolfing down your favorite ice cream or sipping a festive bubble tea, then you may have sensitive teeth.
Teeth sensitivity is caused when a nerve is exposed — because a tooth is cracked, enamel has worn away or gums have receded — or because of minute openings in the tooth structure called dental tubules, which tunnel directly into your nerves.
That’s the science; now into the real world. How do you avoid tooth pain? One way is to avoid eating these sensitivity-causing dishes:
Ice: Chill it, Don’t Chew it
Do not be lulled into thinking that chewing ice is good for you just because it is made of water and has no sugar. Stick to water in its liquid form because chewing on hard substances can damage your enamel, causing a dental emergency such as a chipped or broken tooth.
Water: Plain is Best
Frequent exposure to acidic drinks like lemon or orange juice can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time.
Sadly, even a squeeze of lemon may not be the best choice for your mouth, so listen to mom on this. In addition, most carbonated soft drinks including diet soda are acidic and therefore, can be bad for your teeth.
Sweets: Empty Your Candy Bag
Unfortunately for candy lovers, most types of candy will cause discomfort for sensitive teeth. Just like ice, hard sweets like peppermints can damage teeth when chewed on. Chewy candy like gummy bears do not fare better as they can get stuck inside open cavities and under gums, causing discomfort to sensitive teeth.
Hot and Cold: Avoid the Shock
Extreme temperatures do make a difference to sensitive teeth, so hot soups and drinks as well as ice kachang and chilled drinks may cause pain. If avoiding such treats is tricky, try sipping them through a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
If the foods you are eating or drinking are starting to wear away your teeth and enamel, it is time to change your eating habits so that you can bite into life without hesitation. Reduce teeth sensitivity by using a toothpaste that helps address this, such as Colgate Sensitivity Pro-Relief. Team this with a soft-bristled toothbrush and you can wave goodbye to tooth discomfort — while welcoming back your favorite foods with open arms.
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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.
