8 Ways to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dental Health 8 Ways to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Judy Mouchawar, MD, MSPHReviewed: February 25, 2016Medically Reviewed What s Causing Your Tooth Sensitivity ThinkstockAbout 1 in 8 people have sensitive teeth, according to a study in the March 2013 issue of the Journal of American Dentistry. If you’ve chalked your sensitive teeth up to either bad luck or bad genetics, you might want to think again: There’s a good chance that your dental dilemmas are being triggered by improper brushing or too many sugary drinks. First, some background: Our teeth are coated with an outer, protective layer of enamel, then another, inner layer of dentin, says Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty, DDS, a dentist at Rolling Oaks Dental in San Antonio, Texas, and a national spokeswoman for the American Dental Association (ADA). When the enamel on our teeth wears down, we’re especially susceptible to very hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks, which work their way through the tiny tubules in the dentin and irritate the underlying nerves. When this happens, you might feel a shocking sensation that can radiate through the tooth for moments to hours. The good news: There are steps you can take to ease and prevent tooth sensitivity. Here are eight strategies that work. Brush Gently Christopher Robbins/ThinkstockVigorous brushing won’t make your teeth any cleaner, but it can increase your risk for tooth sensitivity. That’s because too-tough brushing can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, exposing the nerve and setting you up for tooth pain. Use a soft-bristled brush with the ADA-accepted seal of approval, says Ferraz-Dougherty. Using short strokes, brush your teeth twice a day in a gentle up-and-down motion — not from side-to-side. "Almost think of it like massaging your teeth and gums versus a hard scrubbing," she adds. "As long as you're doing it twice a day for two minutes, it will be effective." Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste ThinkstockOver-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes contain a compound that helps block the transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve, says Ferraz-Dougherty. Use it twice daily; you should notice less sensitivity within a few weeks. For very tender areas, try rubbing a bit of desensitizing toothpaste directly on the tooth, suggests the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF). Rinse With a Fluoride Mouthwash ThinkstockThe fluoride in over-the-counter fluoride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth’s enamel layer, helping to [protect against] sensitivity," says Ferraz-Dougherty, who recommends choosing an ADA-approved product. (Bonus: Fluoride also can protect against tooth decay and cavities, which can also cause sensitive teeth, says the ADA.) Just remember to rinse daily with the mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Avoid Acidic Drinks iStock.comHighly acidic foods and drinks wear away your teeth’s enamel, leaving you susceptible to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay, says Ferraz-Dougherty. Plus, they can also cause the gum line to recede, which exposes the nerves. Carbonated sodas, citrus fruit-based juices, and citrus fruits are all acidic. Instead of eating citrus fruits by themselves, try adding them to a meal: The other foods serve as a buffer, which helps lower the pH levels in your mouth. And be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating citrus fruits to brush your teeth. "The acid weakens tooth enamel, and brushing too soon may damage the enamel," Ferraz-Dougherty says. Skip the Tooth Bleaching ThinkstockBoth at-home whitening kits and in-office teeth whitening procedures can cause some temporary sensitivity, says Ferraz-Dougherty, so if you have sensitive teeth and want to brighten your pearly whites, be sure to let your dentist know about your condition. "If you have sensitive teeth, they may not recommend whitening for you," she says. Bite Down on a Mouth Guard ThinkstockIf you grind your teeth — a condition called bruxism — you can wear down the enamel, which could trigger sensitivity, says Ferraz-Dougherty. Since people commonly grind their teeth at night, talk to your dentist about being fitted for a mouth guard that you can wear while you sleep. Another suggestion: Because tooth grinding is often a sign of stress, you may also need to incorporate more de-stressing lifestyle changes into your day (think: exercising, meditation, and more), advises the ADA. Consider In-Office Treatments ThinkstockIf you have severely sensitive teeth, you might want to consider an in-office dental treatment. Gel fluoride treatments (available in higher concentrations than you’d find in over-the-counter products), crowns, inlays, or bonding can all help cover sensitive areas on your teeth, the ADA says. For severe cases, you can also have a gum graft (a procedure that removes a section of your gum from one area of your mouth and moves it to the area where your gums have receded) or, if the pain can’t be managed, a root canal to remove the nerve. "If everything else doesn't help, these are kind of a last resort," says Ferraz-Dougherty. Visit Your Dentist ThinkstockIf your teeth are sensitive and nothing seems to be working, Ferraz-Dougherty recommends visiting your dentist. "If your teeth are bothered in cold weather, the question is what's causing it to be sensitive to the cold," she says. "Don't just try to cover it up." Sensitive teeth can be a warning sign of a more serious dental health problem such as a fractured tooth, worn fillings, an exposed root, or gum disease. "Figure out what's causing it, and address it," she says. Most Recent in Dental Health Byte Invisible Braces Review 2022 Are You Grinding Your Teeth Here s How to Know and How to Stop This Harmful Habit SmileDirectClub 2022 Review Can This Clear Aligner Brand Improve Your Smile for Less Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Dental Health Byte Invisible Braces Review 2022 Byte clear aligners are a more affordable option for correcting mild to moderate dental issues at home than Invisalign or metal braces. Treatment with...By Will CarterSeptember 8, 2022 Are You Grinding Your Teeth Here s How to Know and How to Stop This Harmful HabitExtreme tooth grinding may shatter teeth, destroy dental work, trigger jaw pain and morning headaches, and provoke nagging from sleep partners addled ...By Susan K. TreimanAugust 18, 2022 SmileDirectClub 2022 Review Can This Clear Aligner Brand Improve Your Smile for Less Are you considering at-home clear aligner kits? Before buying, check out our SmileDirectClub review, including the pros and cons, costs, and treatment...By Will CarterJuly 15, 2022 Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard Brushing your teeth incorrectly can lead to problems like tooth sensitivity and enamel wear. Here’s the right way to do it.By Lisa HaneyJuly 11, 2022 6 Best Affordable Invisible Braces Brands of 2022Looking for the most affordable way to straighten your teeth? Read our detailed review of the top affordable invisible braces brands to compare prices...By Will CarterJune 23, 2022 Read Our Reviews of the Best Invisible Braces in 2022Invisible aligners are a teeth-straightening alternative to traditional metal braces that could save you money and time. Find out which brands offer the...By Erica Anand, DDSMay 11, 2022 Does Invisalign Really Work Is Invisalign worth the hype? Will it work for your teeth-straightening needs? Learn more about the treatment plan, cost, pros, and cons of Invisalign...By Hannah SherkSeptember 13, 2021 Invisalign vs Braces Which Is Better When you compare Invisalign and traditional braces, which teeth-straightening option is better? Learn more about the benefits of both, how the treatment...By Nicole GleichmannSeptember 9, 2021 6 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Healthier TeethWith high-tech and convenience features, electric toothbrushes make it easier to get a more thorough clean. Find out which model is for you.By Caitlin McCormackMay 13, 2018 6 Best Teeth Whitening ProductsIf you want your smile to have that “pearly white” effect, you may want to sink your teeth into these teeth whitening products.By Caitlin McCormackMay 6, 2018