Hot, cold, brushing your teeth… at times your teeth over-react and make you make faces! Your teeth are probably very sensitive! Discover without delay our tracks to overcome this hypersensitivity that bothers you on a daily basis.
" From traumatic tooth brushing to gum recession and dental erosion, tooth sensitivity has multiple causes »Explains Dr Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon and spokesperson for UFSBD (French Union for Oral Health). This very common dental problem begins to be troublesome when the dentin, a part of the tooth normally protected by enamel, is exposed, as if naked. Suddenly, contact with a hot drink, a scoop of ice or even the bristles of the brush are experienced as attacks. Indeed, in case of tooth sensitivity, the nerve inside the tooth is constantly "tickled" … and makes it known by a short and powerful pain. Small precision, tooth sensitivity can be accompanied by irritation of the gums, linked to an inflammation leading to redness, bleeding and swelling, but this is not compulsory.
Fortunately, there are easy solutions to adopt on a daily basis to limit this dental sensitivity. And, if despite your efforts, nothing helps, a visit to a dental office will allow you to find suitable solutions, ranging from the installation of a fluoride varnish to the devitalization of the tooth concerned.
Soft brushing
Why ? Traumatic brushing is one of the causes of the onset of tooth sensitivity. That is to say brushing in the wrong direction (horizontally and not vertically) by pressing too much on the teeth. Be gentle in your gestures to avoid attacking your teeth with each brush passage.
The right move: brushing is always done from red (so the gum) to white (the tooth). From top to bottom (top row) and from bottom to top (bottom row) and not from right to left.
Choose a suitable toothbrush
Why ? A model with too hard hair attacks the tooth enamel. Especially if you tend to brush your teeth too muscularly.
Good reflex: remember to change your toothbrush for a softer model that respects sensitive teeth. While you are at it, remember to replace it at each change of season to comply with the recommendations for good oral hygiene.
With its flexible 18 / 100th bristles, this toothbrush Made in France, respects tooth enamel, La petite française, Elgydium, € 3.30.
Opt for a toothpaste that suits you perfectly
Why ? In the case of sensitive teeth, brushing can turn into a real ordeal. The fault with toothpaste not adapted to the sensitivity of your teeth which will, again, tickle the dentin and create discomfort. By choosing a toothpaste labeled "sensitive teeth", you take the opposite option. Thanks to its special active ingredients, the paste will seal and waterproof the small holes in the tooth and limit tooth sensitivity. No more brushing discomfort!
The gesture S.O.S: " to further enhance the protective effect of toothpaste for sensitive teeth, after brushing your teeth, do not hesitate to take a little toothpaste and put it directly on the affected teeth. No need to rinse »Suggests Dr Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon and spokesperson for UFSBD, French Union for Oral Health.
Its unique ActivCalm technology creates a protective layer on the tooth to instantly relieve clinically proven tooth sensitivity. Very comfortable in the mouth, this toothpaste also soothes the gums. Sensitivity & Gums Calm, Oral B, € 4.5.
Adopt mouthwashes
Why ? After brushing your teeth, the most common mistake is to rinse your mouth too much with tap water and thereby "remove" all the benevolent active ingredients from the toothpaste. You have two options, rinse your mouth a little to keep the benefits of toothpaste or use a "sensitive teeth" mouthwash that will fight against tooth sensitivity by limiting tooth erosion.
The extra gesture: if you are not used to mouthwash, start with ten seconds, and gradually increase the time spent on this step. As a reminder, mouthwash does not replace brushing, but complements it.
To strengthen teeth and reduce sensitivities, Gum Sensivital + mouthwash, € 4.50.
Avoid overly acidic foods
Why ? Acidity is the number one enemy of teeth. By attacking the enamel gradually, the acidity makes them more and more sensitive … to the point of causing real discomfort. Only problem? Sodas and other fruit juices are very acidic. Coffee and alcohol too. Either you stop this kind of acidic drink completely … or you drink a glass of water after each consumption of acidic drink to eliminate maximum acidity in the mouth.
The gesture to ban: also avoid home made solutions to whiten teeth (bicarbonate, charcoal and lemon …) which also destroy tooth enamel … on the pretext of making them whiter!
Thanks to Dr Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon, spokesperson for UFSBD, French Union for Oral Health.
Discover 5 tips for whiter teeth
Also read on aufeminin:
– Tips and tricks to know for a really fresh breath.
– Brush your teeth well? Too easy with this technique!
– White star teeth? I want some too !