Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable and can often be painful. Learning the common causes of tooth sensitivity can help you minimize the impact that it has on your life. Tooth sensitivity can also indicate more serious issues with your teeth. If you are experiencing significant tooth sensitivity, you should see your dentist to ensure that your teeth remain healthy.

Causes

Tooth sensitivity tends to be caused when the enamel around the teeth wears down. Overbrushing your teeth is a common cause of tooth sensitivity. Insufficient dental hygiene can also lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when teeth begin to decay. Receding gums can contribute to tooth sensitivity, because the tooth will be much more exposed. Consuming too much acid or sugar can also lead to tooth sensitivity.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

There are multiple ways to help prevent tooth sensitivity from occurring. Using toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth can help limit tooth sensitivity. You should ensure that you use a toothbrush that has a soft-bristle rather than a harder variety to prevent brushing your teeth from wearing down their enamel. Additionally, you should ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice, but no more than three times a day.

Limiting your sugar intake is another way to help prevent tooth sensitivity. Additionally, you should cut soda out of your diet. However, if this isn’t a viable option, drink your soda all at once, rather than sipping on it throughout the day. Every time you take a sip, the acid attack on your teeth will renew, which can lead to a significant amount of damage to your teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is not a fun experience. Taking the steps to prevent tooth sensitivity will help you remain more comfortable and healthy. You should ensure that you visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth remain healthy. To schedule your regular dental cleaning, contact us at Leavitt Family Dentistry today!

Dental phobia is a common occurrence that affects many people. This can cause affected individuals to avoid seeing the dentist, which can impact their overall oral health. It is important to see your dentist regularly, because they will be able to thoroughly clean your teeth, as well as effectively remove plaque and tartar. Additionally, your dentist will be able to find problems with your oral health in the early stages, which can help prevent them from becoming larger problems. Overcoming dental phobia can help ensure that you are able to see your dentist regularly.

Common Causes of Dental Phobia

There are many things that can cause or lead to dental phobia. It can be caused by prior traumatic experiences, including both dental-related experiences and other types of trauma. Dental phobia can be caused by generalized anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A fear of pain or loss of control, as well as trust issues, can also lead to dental phobia or anxiety.

Signs of Dental Phobia

Knowing the signs of dental phobia can help you determine if you have dental phobia. Sweating and a racing heartbeat while in the dental office can indicate dental phobia. Low-blood pressure, visible distress, and emotional withdrawal are additional signifiers of dental phobia. If you have trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam, there is a good chance that you are experiencing dental-related anxiety.

Coping Mechanisms

Coping mechanisms can help you manage your dental phobia, which can help you visit your dentist as frequently as is necessary. Deep breathing or meditation can help you minimize the negative effects of dental phobia. Using distraction methods, such as watching a movie or listening to music, can help with dental phobia. Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and hypnosis are additional methods that can help with dental phobia.

The first step to dealing with dental phobia is to consult with your dentist. Dental phobia is a common occurrence and dentists are equipped to handle these situations. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the advice necessary to allow you to obtain your regular dental cleanings. To learn more about how to deal with dental phobia, or to schedule your regular dental cleaning, contact us at Leavitt Family Dentistry today!