If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!
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The pain associated with tooth sensitivity takes many forms and can last for seconds, or weeks. If your tooth pain is getting out of control, find out how you can fight back against the pain and kiss it goodbye forever. There is no need to suffer endlessly and many of the ways to minimise tooth pain are inexpensive or even free.
Toothpaste
Two active ingredients found in certain toothpastes help decrease tooth sensitivity. Potassium nitrate and strontium chloride work with your own saliva to protect the roots of your teeth. This is especially helpful because most tooth sensitivity comes from root exposure due to a variety of causes.
Stop Using Whitening Products
If you have tried the desensitising toothpastes and have not seen much improvement in your pain, it may be time to stop using whitening products. Even if you only take a break in your tooth whitening process, that break can be what your teeth need to recover and take away sensitivity. Any product that whitens teeth has the potential to cause sensitivity and pain. Usually the pain surfaces within the first day or two after the tooth whitening process and then fades away over time, but if you cannot handle the pain it is time to reconsider your plans for a brighter smile.
There are whitening products like toothpastes and rinses that are much gentler because of a lower level of active ingredients. If you are determined to brighten your smile, but cannot handle the pain and sensitivity associated, try these options to see some tooth brightening benefits.
Changes in Diet
Acidic food and drinks can wear away at the surface of your teeth, exposing the nerves inside and creating sensitivity. Some foods and drinks that have high acid levels that can damage your teeth include sodas, tomatoes, lemons and other citrus fruits. If you regularly drink sodas, you can minimise your tooth sensitivity just by cutting this beverage out of your diet. There are other proven health benefits to refraining from soda as well making this diet modification even better for you.
Over the Counter Pain Medications
As with many minor aches and pains, over the counter pain relievers can help with tooth pain and sensitivity as well. Whichever over the counter choice is your favorite will provide some relief, though ibuprofen is typically one of the best options. It is safe to take as much as 800 milligrams of ibuprofen every four to six hours. If you know when your teeth will be most sensitive, like when you are going to indulge in ice cream, it is safe to take a pain reliever in advance of it to minimise the pain. Be careful not to depend too heavily on over the counter pain relievers, however, as excessive use of them can lead to liver damage.
Contact Your Dentist
If your tooth pain and sensitivity does not go away, or lasts for more than a few weeks at a time, contact your dentist. Just as you would reach out to your regular physician if you had a persistent pain in your stomach or leg, you should reach out to your dentist when tooth pain persists. Your dentist has several different options to help treat your tooth sensitivity, from sealants to more drastic measures like replacing receding gums. When pain persists, it is certainly worthwhile to seek out treatment options. These options will educate you as to what you may want to do to end your tooth pain and sensitivity.
No matter what kind of tooth sensitivity you have, you do not have to continue to deal with the pain. There are many different options to help you take away the intense shocks of pain so start checking into the choices you have. A perfect smile is not worth much if you are constantly in pain.
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