5 Myths About Sensitive Teeth That You May Have Thought Were True

There are lots of myths about sensitive teeth, so we thought we would bust the 5 most common myths about sensitive teeth!

Myth 1

Your teeth will feel sensitive when you bite into hot or cold food

Your teeth are hardy tools designed to take hot and cold food and liquids, as well as hard and crunchy food. All this should be no problem for your teeth and you should certainly not have a painful experience. If you feel pain in your teeth when you consume anything hot or cold, it’s time to pay a visit to your dentist.

There are several causes of teeth sensitivity. These could include gum disease, cavities, old dental fillings that need attention, worn down tooth enamel and tooth roots that are exposed.

Myth 2

A de-sensitizing toothpaste does not reduce teeth sensitivity

As not all sensitivity is too serious, you might try using a special toothpaste that is advertised to help reduce tooth sensitivity. This type of toothpaste does actually work to alleviate the symptoms. The ingredients in these specially formulated toothpastes are compounds such as strontium chloride and potassium nitrate.  These work by stopping the pain signals from being transmitted from the tooth’s surface to the nerves inside.

It might not work immediately and you may need to use the toothpaste a few times before there is a noticeable reduction in pain. Your dentist may be able to prescribe stronger toothpaste to help alleviate the tooth sensitivity you are experiencing.     

Myth 3

You should refrain from drinking coffee or eating ice cream if your teeth are sensitive

Limiting these products won’t eliminate your teeth’s sensitivity, but you do need to see your dentist, who will be able to pinpoint the reason for the sensitivity. As there are many reasons for it there are also different types of treatment available to eliminate the pain. One of those treatment options won’t be denying yourself food and drink you like.

Myth 4

Tooth sensitivity will never turn into tooth loss

Sensitivity could ultimately end up in tooth loss. For example, gum recession that has been present for some time could result in tooth loss. Sensitivity caused by tooth decay could eventually lead to tooth loss, especially if it’s not treated fairly quickly.

Minor tooth sensitivity that’s not treated could progress to an infection. The infection could spread to the gums and jaw and even spread to the neck and head. So it’s worth seeing your dentist if your teeth feel sensitive.

Myth 5

There is no cure for teeth sensitivity

Your dentist won’t allow you to endure the pain of tooth sensitivity as there are various treatment options depending on the cause. Most of the problems associated with teeth sensitivity can be treated. But you will have to arrange an appointment with your dentist to be prescribed the best treatment option.

You can help to eliminate the teeth sensitivity yourself by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride.  Make sure the toothbrush is soft-bristled otherwise you could be encouraging tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can diagnose your problem and treat your tooth sensitivity until it goes away.