Stay on Top of Teeth Sensitivity
Data from the Academy of General Dentistry suggest that at least 45 million adults in the United States suffer from teeth sensitivity. The causes of teeth sensitivity are varied, and they include everything from use of whitening products and overzealous brushing to gum disease, cracked or damaged teeth, and increasing age. (1)Oral Health Options for Teeth Sensitivity
If you suffer from teeth sensitivity, toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can make a big difference in your ability to follow a regular oral care routine and keep your mouth healthy. Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste protects against teeth sensitivity, but that’s just the beginning. The Crest Pro-Health toothpaste product line includes both gel and paste formulas. Both types fight tartar, plaque, cavities, and gingivitis with the effectiveness that you need for a healthy, pain-free mouth. Be patient: It may take about a month of using products for sensitive teeth before you notice a significant reduction in teeth sensitivity. (2), (3)Better Brushing to Combat Teeth Sensitivity
Incorrect oral care techniques are among the causes of teeth sensitivity that are the easiest to fix. To keep your teeth healthy without increasing teeth sensitivity, use small, circular movements of your toothbrush to clean your teeth. You don’t have to use a lot of pressure. Putting too much pressure on your toothbrush while brushing can irritate sensitive teeth. Instead, be sure to spend enough time brushing your teeth (at least two minutes). Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and use a toothbrush designed for sensitive teeth. The Oral-B Pro-Health Gentle Clean toothbrush features extra-soft bristles designed to flex at the gum line for effective plaque removal. (4), (3)Don’t Fear the Floss
Flossing is an important part of good oral health because it removes plaque-causing bacteria from spots behind and between the teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. If you find flossing painful due to gum or teeth sensitivity, try Crest Glide Pro-Health Floss for Sensitive Gums. The floss is made of a shred-resistant fiber that is twice as soft and just as effective as the standard Glide floss. Be sure to follow correct flossing technique, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Use an 18-inch piece of floss; wrap a small amount around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand. Slide the floss gently up and down between each tooth to clean between teeth and avoid teeth sensitivity. Unwrap new floss from one hand as you wrap used floss onto the other hand. (4), (3)Teeth Sensitivity: Get Ready to Rinse
Some oral rinses can cause teeth sensitivity, but the right rinse can help protect teeth as part of a total oral care routine. If you want to use a mouth rinse, try an alcohol-free version, such as Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Rinse, that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel. If you wear braces, many dentists recommend a dental rinse to help protect against teeth sensitivity and provide additional protection against cavities. (4), (5)Sources:
- 1.ADA, Crest, and Oral-B survey, “The Public Speaks Up on Oral Health Care.”
2.http://health.yahoo.com/oralcare-overview/why-are-my-teeth-sensitive/agd--Oral_Care_agd_art_00022748.html
3.Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield product information 4.www.ada.org
5.Crest Pro-Health product information
