If you’ve ever cringed after biting into a popsicle or eating a spoonful of ice cream, you know the discomfort of tooth sensitivity. Certain foods and drinks can set it off, making for a painful mealtime experience. Read on to learn about what can trigger teeth sensitivity and how to reduce it.
Foods & Drinks That Trigger Sensitive Teeth
Some of your favorite foods and beverages may be on the list of things that cause teeth sensitivity. These include extremely hot coffee, tea, and soup, in addition to extremely cold ice cream, popsicles, and iced beverages. You’ll notice when you consume these that they can worsen your dental pain. Other foods on this list can include hard or sticky candy, which can make chewing painful and difficult, and highly acidic citrus fruits and soda that can erode enamel.
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
There are a few things you can do to reduce your discomfort. In addition to limiting your consumption of the foods and drinks listed above, gently brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an anti-sensitivity toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will help to strengthen your teeth and to reduce tooth pain when you eat. Also, drink plenty of fluoridated tap water throughout the day, and chew only sugar-free gum. Keep in mind that chronic tooth grinding and clenching (or bruxism) can also worsen tooth sensitivity. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider getting a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Consult with Our Expert Team!
Contact Stratman Family Dentistry in Tucson, AZ if you’re having chronic tooth sensitivity or pain. We want to help reduce your pain and make eating enjoyable again! We can assess if it’s from enamel erosion, advanced tooth decay, an infection, bruxism, or another cause. We can suggest additional ways to protect your teeth from sensitivity and damage, and provide you with a custom-fitted nightguard if you grind your teeth. Let us know if you have any questions.
