“Can I order one medium mocha latte with oat milk, please?”

If you’re anything like us, a warm drink during the holidays is non-negotiable. Whether you brew coffee at home, steep a cup of tea, or swing by your favorite coffee shop, these drinks bring comfort to chilly days.

As much as we can all collectively love hot coffee and tea, teeth sensitivity and hot drinks go hand-in-hand. Our goal today is not to get you to stop consuming your favorite drinks altogether. Today, we will be covering actionable tips to protecting sensitive teeth so you can keep enjoying the things you love, sensitivity-free.

Common Causes for Tooth Sensitivity

When we talk about tooth sensitivity, we’re referring to mild discomfort—not sharp, throbbing pain. Most people notice sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary foods. However, those foods don’t necessarily cause sensitivity; they’re often just triggers for an underlying issue.

Here are some of the most common causes for tooth sensitivity, as identified by Johns Hopkins University:

• Worn Enamel: Over time, enamel erosion can expose the sensitive dentin layer beneath.
• Gum Recession: As gums pull back, they leave sensitive areas of your teeth exposed.
• Recent Dental Work: Sensitivity is common after treatments like cavity fillings or crowns, though it typically resolves in a few weeks.
• Improper Brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage enamel and gums.
• Grinding Teeth: Chronic grinding can wear down the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable.
• Age: Sensitivity often increases with age.
• Whitening Products: Overuse of whitening strips or gels can lead to temporary sensitivity.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, understanding the range of causes can make managing tooth sensitivity less daunting.

Strategies for Reducing Sensitivity

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter?

You can go two different routes to managing tooth sensitivity: prescription or over-the-counter solutions. Usually, the difference between these routes is the personalization, potency, and convenience. Whether you prefer over-the-counter solutions or professional treatments, these strategies can help:

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth is an easy way to manage discomfort. These products work by blocking pain signals in your teeth that respond to stimuli like heat and cold. They also often contain fluoride, which strengthens enamel and helps prevent further damage.

Both prescription-strength and over-the-counter options are available. Just remember, results may take a few weeks of consistent use, so don’t give up too soon.

Proper Brushing Techniques

Something you can do for free to mitigate current sensitivities while preventing future sensitivity is through proper brushing techniques. Brushing too hard can aggregate existing dental issues as well as lead to gum line recession and worn enamel.

The next time you brush your teeth, make an effort to brush more gently. If you use an electric toothbrush, you do not need to apply much pressure at all. A good habit to get into is brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle, allowing the bristles to sweep under the gum line, preventing plaque build-up too.

If you struggle with getting the proper brushing pressure down, there are products on the market that can help train you. Electric toothbrushes, like one from Burst, monitor your brushing pressure, telling you when you are brushing too hard, and will even score your brushing at the end. You don’t need to have a fancy toothbrush to brush your teeth correctly, but the one thing we recommend to everyone is using a soft-bristled brush.

In-Office Treatments

Tooth sensitivity is a symptom of a variety of dental concerns, which means sensitive teeth treatments cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach. The best thing you can do to manage prolonged tooth sensitivity is to contact your dentist. They can identify the underlying cause for the sensitivity, whether you grind your teeth, have a cracked tooth, or need extensive dental treatment.

Don’t let sensitive teeth keep you from enjoying your favorite beverages. Contact Perimeter Dental Group to learn about effective treatment options for sensitive teeth in Columbus, Ohio today.