1. Check Your Brushing Muscles.

Using a lot of force when brushing or scrubbing too hard causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This exposes the sensitive, softer, root surface. Plaque is soft and can be removed with a tissue, no need to be aggressive with the tooth brush.

2. Switch Up Your Tooth Paste.

Sensitive toothpaste is awesome. It coats the teeth in an ingredient that prevents the tooth from absorbing the cold sensation. You have to use a full tube in order for it to work- so don’t give up if it doesn’t work instantly. Also as long as the tube says “Sensitivity” somewhere on it, it has the right ingredient in it.

3. Ask Your Significant Other.

Ask your significant other if they hear you grinding your teeth together at night. Grinding and clenching puts a lot of side to side force on the teeth. Teeth are great at withstanding up and down force, but not side to side. This results in wear in the tooth and increased root exposure. Having your dentist make you a hard night guard can protect your teeth and reduce further wear and sensitive root exposure.

4. Floss and Shine Up.

Flossing and regular dental cleanings remove plaque and bacteria buildup. When bacteria sits on and around the teeth it makes them sensitive. By getting that off your teeth, sensitivity will be reduced. Floss for 2 weeks straight and you can make a huge difference in gum sensitivity.

5. Did You Just Have Dental Work? Give It Time.

Imagine removing part of your thigh bone and then putting plastic in it. It probably would take some time to heal and feel normal; same thing with the teeth. When a filling is placed the bad part of the tooth is removed and a filling is placed to restore the tooth. It can take 6 months and even up to a year for the tooth to feel normal.