Your Teeth Can Get More Sensitive as You Get Older

retirement & senior years

Sudden stabs of pain. Not being able to enjoy your favorite cold drinks. Having to give up ice cream. Sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable and cause you to miss out on some of your favorite things.

You are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity as you get older. Wear and tear over the years can cause your gums to recede, exposing new areas and providing less insulation for the sensitive nerves inside your teeth. These unprotected nerves can get triggered by changes in temperature, pressure, touch, gritting or grinding, and other stresses in your mouth.

The good news is that there are 4 ways to prevent and heal tooth sensitivity.

1) Brush Gently: Teeth don’t need to be scrubbed hard to get clean and that scrubbing motion can damage your gums. Use a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth gently, as if you are just wiping them down. This will protect your gums.

2) Try Sensitive Teeth Toothpastes: There are toothpastes formulated specifically for sensitive teeth that help re-insulate those areas near your tooth nerves. The most commonly used brand is Sensodyne. Don’t expect a dramatic change after one use, they may take some time to become fully effective. Reading the label of the product you choose can provide more specific information.

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