Spirit Dental Resources

Amalgam fillings go by other names, such as silver fillings and mercury fillings. This material has been used by dentists around the world for more than 150 years to help people keep their teeth when a cavity develops. Rather than having to yank a tooth because of decay, dentists can fill it and restore its strength. You or someone you love might even have a mercury filling in one or more of your teeth already. Unfortunately, despite their long history and widespread use, there is quite a bit of controversy and concern surrounding the use of mercury fillings. So, what are some of the things that you should be aware of so that you can make more informed decisions when you’re at the dentist and told that you have a cavity? Check out the info below to learn more. What Are Amalgam Fillings? Do amalgam fillings contain mercury? The answer is yes, they do. But there’s more to it. Beyond mercury, which makes up roughly half of the filling, other metals are used to create a durable material that will last a long time and withstand pressure from chewing. Those metals include copper, silver, and tin. Because these fillings are visible, thanks to their silvery appearance, many people today opt for composite fillings instead because they’re tooth-colored and, therefore, not obvious when you open your mouth. But newer fillings can be more expensive, and they may not be appropriate in all cases, so amalgam is still commonly used.    Why the Big Fuss Over Mercury Fillings? According to the FDA, if you get an amalgam filling, the great thing about it is that there’s a lower chance of it breaking compared to other materials. Plus, it’s the most affordable of the options available. But experts do admit that there are some potential risks to consider before you and your dentist decide to go with amalgam. So, here’s the thing: because these fillings have elemental mercury in them, a low level of mercury vapor is released. And that vapor can, indeed, be absorbed by your lungs when you inhale. Okay, that’s kind of scary, right? But it gets worse: if your body is exposed to high levels of this vapor, the kidneys and brain might also be affected. It’s no wonder that there are so many concerns about mercury fillings! Then there’s a little something known as bioaccumulation, which is the term used for the buildup of a chemical within the body. You guessed it—mercury, even from a filling, is considered bioaccumulative. Basically, the vapor from these fillings can build up in certain tissues, including those in the brain and kidneys, even though the vapor is absorbed mostly by the lungs.   But, Wait, You Can Rest Easy About Amalgam Fillings After All That’s a lot of bad news about amalgam fillings, huh? But there’s something else that you should know: the FDA has stated that they’ve reviewed available evidence in an effort to figure out if a low amount of mercury vapor from a filling would really be harmful to human health. Bottom line: experts have concluded that these fillings are safe after all. In fact, children from age 6 and above, as well as adults, of course, can get a mercury filling without having to worry about it having an adverse effect on their health. On top of that, clinical studies in kids and adults haven’t been able to find any link between health problems and the mercury in dental fillings. Phew! And you know how it could bioaccumulate? Well, studies haven’t been able to prove that this causes any actual damage to the body’s organs. That’s a relief, right? Allergies to Mercury? Yep, It Can Happen It’s worth noting that some people may be sensitive to mercury, or they might even be allergic to it. Beyond that, some individuals might not be the right candidates for an amalgam filling because they’re allergic to the other metals within it. Symptoms of an adverse reaction to an amalgam filling include contact reactions and oral lesions. Ouch! The best way to avoid these reactions is to let your dentist know if you’re allergic to any of the components in the fillings. Don’t worry, modern dentistry offers so many great alternatives that will help you get your teeth strong and healthy again. Should You Bother Having Your Mercury Fillings Replaced? With newer filling materials available, you might be thinking, “Should I just replace my old amalgam fillings?” According to experts, the short answer is, no, you don’t really have to, unless you’re sensitive or allergic to the mercury or the other metals in the amalgam. Also, if your fillings aren’t holding up anymore, or if there is decay under a filling, you can have an old filling removed and replaced with a different material, such as a composite filling. But if your fillings are still in good shape and your teeth are fine, there’s likely no need to go through the trouble—and expense—of having them replaced. Plus, when you have an amalgam filling removed, more vapor will be released in the process. And your dentist will have to remove more healthy tooth, too. So, as you can see, it might not be worth it. But, ultimately, this important decision will be up to you and your dentist. Still Have Questions About Mercury in Dental Fillings? If you’re still concerned about mercury in fillings, or if you’re pregnant and you need to have dental work done, it’s best to consult with your dentist to learn about the pros and cons of amalgam. You can even let your dentist know that you’re interested in learning about other, newer filling materials that contain less mercury or no mercury at all. No matter what, you have options, whether you choose to go with good old amalgam or an alternative filling material to restore the health of your teeth. Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/25/should-amalgam-fillings-be-removed https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml

They say you are what you eat, but did you know about the impact that nutrition has on your pearly whites, in particular? A lot of people don’t realize that food not only promotes the health of your skin, bones, and organs, but also the health of your teeth and gums.   Nutrition: It’s More Important Than You Thought for Your Teeth Eating a nutritious diet isn’t only good for your waistline; it’s also great for your dental health. If you aren’t getting the right amount of vital nutrients from your food daily, your risk of gum disease might increase, and that may eventually result in tooth loss. Yikes! On top of that, the wrong foods may also boost your risk of developing cavities—and no one likes getting fillings or, worse yet, a root canal! Thankfully, establishing a diet that will support your dental health isn’t hard at all. It’s best to fill your plate with lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. If you consume dairy, stick with low-fat or fat-free options. This type of balanced diet can help you get the right amount of nutrients to support the strength of your chompers. Interesting fact: Researchers have found that individuals who’ve lost teeth don’t consume enough veggies and fruits. So, if you want to take steps that can help reduce your odds of ever needing dentures, aim to consume a nutritious diet daily. Why Sugar Is Such a Bad Guy When it comes to dental health, making it a point to consume less sugar would be a smart move. From sugary fruit juice and soda, to candies and sweet desserts, you might not realize at first just how much sugar you’re exposing your teeth to. What’s the big deal about sugar, anyway? Well, if bacteria in your mouth are exposed to sugar, acid will be produced. And that acid will end up attacking your teeth, damaging them and causing decay over time. Plenty of nutrient-rich foods, such as whole fruits, contain natural sugars, so you can’t avoid all sugar all the time. Instead, experts recommend reading labels closely to avoid foods and beverages that contain added sugars. Ready to Make Changes? A Step-by-Step Approach Will Get You There! Here are a few tips to help you start eating in a way that will allow you to improve and maintain your oral health: Did you know that snacking too often isn’t so good for your teeth? It’s true! Basically, the more often that you snack between meals, the greater the odds of acid wreaking havoc. This doesn’t mean you can’t snack at all, though. Just make wiser choices by opting to snack on foods like raw fruits and veggies. And, whenever possible, brush your teeth, or at least rinse with water, to help remove food particles. Add foods that are rich in vitamin C to your daily diet. This nutrient can help support the health of your gums. A few tasty examples include tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, potatoes, peppers, and citrus fruit. Another nutrient that can help you maintain strong chompers is phosphorus. You can get it from a variety of foods, such as beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, lean meat, and fish.   Calcium helps when it comes to maintaining strong bones and teeth, and you can get more of this important nutrient by eating foods like dark leafy green veggies, almonds, dairy products, soy milk, and tofu. Drink water throughout the day. Also, reduce your intake of sugary drinks, as well as carbonated drinks and acidic beverages that may increase the risk of tooth erosion. Pro tip: Some foods that would be considered part of a nutritious diet are acidic and can, therefore, be detrimental to dental enamel. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes, as a couple of examples. Rather than eating these on their own, it’s a good idea to enjoy these foods as part of a meal so that you can reduce the effects of the acid on your teeth. Simple enough, right? Your Diet, Your Dentist, and Your At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine Beyond eating the right food for healthy teeth, brushing and flossing daily is also a major component to maintaining that beautiful smile. And, of course, seeing your dentist regularly is necessary too. Regular trips to the dentist will give you the opportunity to have your mouth thoroughly examined and cleaned. Plus, your dentist can tell you if you’re doing a good job or if your diet still needs some tweaking. No matter what diet you follow, there are so many delicious and nutritious foods and beverages that you can consume on a regular basis in order to get the optimal amount of nutrients that will help your teeth and gums remain strong and healthy. Your mouth, and your body, will thank you for the simple act of eating right! Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/healthy-nutrition-for-healthy-teeth https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhnutritionrotator&utm_content=food-tips  

Flossing is an integral component to any great oral hygiene routine. If you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you’re on the right track towards maintaining healthy gums, strong teeth, and fresh breath. When it’s time to floss, even though you might think that you need to reach for good ol’ string floss, you do have another option that might appeal to you more: the Waterpik. This is the most well-known water flosser brand on the market, and there are quite a few different Waterpik products to choose from. How does a Waterpik stand up against regular floss, and is it worth your hard-earned cash? We cover the pros and cons of these two products below. Waterpik: An Easy and Modern Way to Floss If you find it a little challenging to use string floss the right way, you aren’t alone. Many people struggle with using the floss correctly to thoroughly clean between their teeth and beneath the gumline to remove plaque without causing irritation in the process. So this is where the Waterpik can come in really handy. Here are some of the reasons why the Waterpik has grown in popularity and become a highly recommended alternative to traditional flossing: It’s easy to use! Just fill it with water, turn it on, and move it slowly along your teeth to remove debris and plaque from between your pearly whites and along your gumline. A study found that the Waterpik is 29% more effective, compared to string floss, when it comes getting rid of plaque. It is also 33% more effective at removing plaque on marginal surfaces, and 29% more effective at cleaning approximal surfaces. In other words, every surface of your teeth could be cleaner when you use a Waterpik correctly.    If your gums tend to bleed, a Waterpik might be able to help. In a study, experts discovered that, after 14 days of use, the Waterpik was twice as effective, compared to regular floss, when it came to reducing bleeding from the gums. And, after 30 days of use, there was even more improvement. Not bad, right? If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, switching from string floss to a Waterpik might be a wise move. In another study, experts found that the Waterpik is 52% more effective at reducing gingivitis when compared to string floss, regardless of what type of toothbrush is used. And they also determined that the Waterpik is up to 93% better at reducing bleeding. String Floss: Tried-and-True Effectiveness When it comes to regular string floss, you do have a few different options to choose from. For example, there’s waxed floss, which has a light coating of wax that makes it more durable, and there’s unwaxed floss that makes it easy to clean tight spaces between teeth. Other options include polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE), which is less prone to shredding and can easily slide in between your chompers, and dental tape, which is flatter and broader to provide comfort to those who have more space in between their pearly whites. No matter what type of string floss you opt to use, there are certain steps to follow in order to be sure you’re making the most of your flossing routine: Begin by taking out roughly 18” of your string floss. Wind the majority of it around both of your middle fingers, but leave about 2” that you can hold between your index fingers and thumbs. Slide the floss in between your teeth, curving it around the base of the teeth and moving it up and down to remove as much plaque as possible. Make sure that, when you get to the base of a tooth, you gently go just below the gumline with the floss, too. When you’re ready to move to the next set of teeth, shift the floss in your hands so that you can use a clean section. Repeat until you have cleaned in between all of your teeth. Waterpik vs. Floss: What If You Wear Braces? Those who wear braces have to take extra steps to ensure they keep their mouths clean, and flossing is a must. But string floss might not be able to get into all of those hard-to-reach places under and around your braces, so a Waterpik might be a nice addition to your hygiene routine. Basically, the stream of water produced by a Waterpik could help remove any leftover food particles and plaque that your toothbrush and regular floss didn’t reach. It’s a good idea to talk to your orthodontist to learn how to thoroughly clean your braces, and to find out if a Waterpik is the right product for your needs. It's also a good idea make sure you have dental insurance that covers braces so you can save money and get the coverage you need. Hate Flossing? You Might Want to Give the Waterpik a Try! Do you tend to avoid flossing because you just can’t stand using string floss? Then it’s worth considering switching to a Waterpik. You might find that, because it’s so much easier to use, and because it allows you to floss your teeth more efficiently, you’ll be more inclined to stick to this extremely important part of your oral hygiene routine. Then, when you make an appointment for your next checkup, you might even impress your dentist with how much cleaner your mouth is, especially in between your teeth! Sources: https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/blog/dental-floss-vs-water-flossers/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/Goyal-Waterpik-vs-String-Floss-for-Plaque-Removal-2013/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/dental-floss-vs-water-flosser-reducing-gingivitis-plaque-barnes-2005/ https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/dental-floss-vs-water-flossing-reduce-gingival-bleeding-rosema-2011/ https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/teeth/regular-floss-waterpik/ https://oralb.com/blog/dental-floss-types-the-pros-and-cons/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-floss  

If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ, you know how painful it can be. But you don’t have to live with the discomfort. In addition to working with your dentist to determine what treatment options would be right for you, there are also easy exercises for TMJ pain that you can do at home. A few of those exercises are described below to help you get started. Exercises That Strengthen and Stretch the Jaw When your TMJ pain has subsided, you can try some strengthening exercises to help prevent the pain from recurring. Start by placing a thumb under your chin and then pushing down against it to open your mouth slowly. Be gentle the entire time, using your thumb to provide resistance. Once your mouth is open, remain there for just a few seconds. Then slowly close your mouth. To help stretch things out, try pressing the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Next, open your mouth slowly, going only so far as you can without it hurting. Once you experience pain, you should stop. You don’t want to force things. As an alternative stretch, you can begin with your jaw relaxed, the mouth closed, and the teeth apart slightly. Open the mouth slowly and go as wide as you can, but at the same time, look up only with your eyes. Then, for a few seconds, hold the mouth open before closing it slowly. You’re not done yet, though. The next step involves moving only your eyes so that you’re looking to the right as you move the jaw to the left (your mouth should be closed). Hold for a few seconds, make your way back to the starting position, and then move the jaw to the right and look with your eyes to the left. Exercises for Reducing Clicking in the Jaw Many people who have TMJ complain that their jaw “clicks” when they open and close it. The appropriate exercises can help strengthen, as well as release tension from, the muscles of the jaw joint so that the clicking may be reduced or prevented. Start in a relaxed position, sitting upright. Then, close the mouth so that the teeth touch, but don’t clench. Simply rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind the front teeth. Next, move your tongue towards the back of the mouth, as if you wanted to reach the soft palate with the tip of the tongue. As you do so, keep the teeth together, without clenching. Once you reach that area in the back of the mouth, open your jaw slowly until you start to feel that the tongue is pulling away from the roof of the mouth (you might start to feel some tension under the chin and in the back of the neck). Stop there, remain in that position for a few seconds, close your mouth again, and relax. Try repeating this exercise for about five minutes. If you’re doing it right, you won’t hear any clicking in the joint. You might need to practice a bit, and you might need to adjust your positioning to stop hearing the clicks in the joint. If you experience pain or discomfort after doing this exercise the first few times, that’s normal. As your ligaments grow stronger and the muscles used to close the mouth start to relax, it should get easier and the discomfort might go away. It may take up to three weeks, though, to retrain your muscles so that there’s no clicking or pain when you close and open the mouth.   Not Getting Any Relief? Time to Talk to Your Dentist! Although you can certainly try these TMJ exercises at home, if you are not getting any relief at all, it’s best to talk to your dentist. There are several different treatment options available, so don’t hesitate to discuss what could be the best approach to getting you to be pain-free again. Plus, your dentist can also give you pointers on things you should avoid doing in order to prevent TMJ pain in the first place. This professional advice is invaluable, and with the right dental insurance, you can get the help that you need without having to worry about breaking the bank.   Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorder/tmj-exercises-for-pain-relief https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/12128Ptmj.pdf

Participating in activities like sports and martial arts can be a lot of fun, as well as a smart way to exercise, but it could also be risky, particularly when it comes to your teeth. And that’s where a good mouthguard can come in to provide the protection that you need. What are mouthguards, and why would you need to use one? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information below.    What Exactly Is a Mouthguard, Anyway? Also referred to as a mouth protector, a mouthguard is a simple product that you can easily place in your mouth, usually only on the upper teeth, in order to cover your pearly whites and protect them against impact. This means that, whether you get punched in the face during a karate class, a ball hits your face while playing sports, or you fall while skating, your mouthguard could help reduce the risk of injuring your mouth or breaking your teeth. Note: Beyond protecting your chompers, mouthguards can even help protect the inside of your cheeks and lips, as well as your tongue. Fun fact: You typically don’t need to use a mouthguard to cover your lower teeth because they’re already a bit more protected, while the top teeth are more exposed. However, you can also get a mouthguard for your lower teeth when necessary, such as if you wear braces.   Is a Mouthguard One Size Fits All? There are actually a few different types of mouthguards that you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. First up, there’s the good ol’ stock mouthguard, which is a preformed product that is ready for use right after you purchase it. You can easily find these mouthguards in stores, such as in a sporting goods store, and they’re affordable. Unfortunately, if the fit isn’t perfect, there isn’t much that you can do about it, and your mouthguard might not be able to fully protect your teeth if that’s the case. Plus, you might even find that this mouth protector isn’t all that comfortable. So, while this may be a good place to start when searching for a mouthguard, there are better options out there.   Custom-fitted mouthguards are—you guessed it—custom-made to fit your unique mouth. What could be better than that? Your dentist can help you get the ideal mouth protector by taking an impression of your teeth and then crafting a mouthguard in that shape. This is the best way to get the full protection that you want for your chompers, but be prepared to pay more for this personalized product. Another option is the boil and bite mouthguard, which you can also buy in stores. This is a good in-between solution if you want something that’s a little more customized to your mouth, without having to go to the dentist to purchase a more expensive custom-fitted product. Basically, you’ll put this mouthguard into some hot water in order to soften it up. Then, you’ll place it in your mouth so that it can take on the shape of your teeth. Not bad, right? Tip: How do you know if a mouthguard is the perfect fit? If it’s comfortable and it isn’t restricting your ability to breathe or speak, it’s a great choice.   Can a Mouthguard Really Protect Your Teeth? You might be wondering if a mouthguard is really necessary, worth the money, and protective enough. The truth is that, yes, when it’s properly fitted, it can be effective. If you enjoy sports that may result in blows to the face that put your jaw, lips, teeth, and tongue at risk, a mouthguard is necessary to keep your smile looking beautiful. Keep in mind, too, that if you participate in non-contact sports (like biking or gymnastics, as a couple of examples), a mouthguard can be helpful. People of all ages, including kids, can benefit from the use of a protective and properly fitted mouthguard. So if you’re going to do anything that could put you at risk of a mouth injury or broken teeth, consider wearing a mouthguard while you play. Because a blow to your face might also cause damage to fixed bridgework or braces, the right mouthguard will even help protect orthodontic appliances, too.   Did you know? Mouthguards aren’t just for active adventure seekers and athletes. There are also mouthguards available for those who grind their teeth while asleep. If you have been diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ, your dentist might discuss mouthguard options to help you get relief from these oral health problems. Talk to Your Dentist About Mouthguards! When in doubt about whether you need a mouthguard, and when you need some advice regarding which mouthguard is appropriate for you, it’s best to have a chat with your dentist. Also, when store-bought mouthguards won’t cut it, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist about getting a product that will fit your mouth just right and provide the highest level of protection for your precious teeth. Hey, accidents happen. So why not take an extra step towards protecting yourself against injuries while you’re having fun? Young or old, a mouthguard is a great little device that anyone can use to reduce the risk of chipping your teeth, hurting the soft tissues of your mouth, or even losing a tooth during a variety of activities.   Sources: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_07.ashx   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/mouth-guards#1 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/why-do-you-need-a-mouth-guard  

Tooth sensitivity is a literal pain. And even though it is temporary, arising suddenly before subsiding after a few moments, no one wants to deal with the discomfort that comes with sensitive teeth, especially while enjoying tasty foods and drinks. Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to handle sensitivity in your pearly whites, so a few easy strategies and treatments are listed below to help you get relief.   First, See Your Dentist for a Checkup There are several conditions that can cause tooth sensitivity, so it doesn’t always indicate that there’s a cavity to blame. Phew! Getting to the source of the problem is the best way to tackle it, so it’s a smart move to make an appointment with your dentist first. After a thorough examination, your dentist can help you figure out what’s causing your sensitivity, and that will give you greater insight into what you can actually do to resolve it. So, rather than choosing any old remedy for sensitive teeth, ask a pro for guidance. Doing so can help boost the odds that the treatment you use will be successful. Now let’s dive into a list of potential remedies for sensitive chompers, shall we? Tweak Your Brushing Strategy One of the first things that you can try to relieve sensitivity is switch out your toothpaste and toothbrush for products that are designed to be gentler on teeth and gums. Improving your brushing technique might also be necessary. To avoid damaging the protective enamel on your teeth, avoid brushing aggressively or with too much pressure. All you have to do to remove debris and plaque is use gentle, circular motions. Avoid using side-to-side motions, particularly at the gum line. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, which will also be gentler on enamel. And, once your toothbrush starts to look worn (usually around every three months), it’s time to replace it. Try using non-abrasive toothpaste. You might even opt for toothpaste that’s made for sensitive teeth and may help reduce the amount of discomfort your chompers feel. These products are available over-the-counter, but your dentist can help you choose the one that’s best for your needs. Just keep in mind that you might have to use this toothpaste a few times before you start to notice a difference, so be patient. It isn’t a good idea to brush your teeth right after eating or drinking, especially if you’ve consumed foods or beverages that may adversely affect enamel (more on that below). It might be best to wait up to an hour before brushing to help protect your pearly whites. Change Your Diet, Just a Bit Different foods and drinks can affect your teeth in different ways. For example, highly acidic beverages and foods may contribute to sensitive teeth because the acid could end up wearing the enamel down over time. If your teeth are sensitive, consider reducing your intake of foods that could make the problem worse. A couple of examples are citrus fruits and carbonated beverages. Even sparkling water, which might seem harmless, may contribute to sensitivity. When enjoying a beverage that is acidic, consider drinking it through a straw. This might help reduce your teeth’s exposure to the liquid. Such a simple solution, right? Here’s another great reason to snack on more fruits and veggies: they can help stimulate the production of saliva, which can help combat any acid that your mouth has been exposed to. Receive Pro Level Treatments at Your Dentist’s Office When home remedies aren’t enough to help your teeth feel better, don’t lose hope. Your dentist has many different treatment options that may be appropriate for you. If you grind or clench your teeth, they might become sensitive. Really! But you don’t have to live with the pain, as your dentist can help you get a mouth guard to provide protection, especially if you grind your teeth while you sleep and aren’t conscious of what you’re doing. When gum recession, gum disease, or a damaged tooth is to blame for your sensitivity, your dentist can provide appropriate treatments to get your oral health back on track, such as a root canal or gum graft. With the right dental insurance, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to see your dentist right away and receive treatment without breaking the bank. In-office treatment options include the application of sealants that can help protect the surface of sensitive teeth. Your dentist might also recommend a fluoride gel for sensitive areas, or use a bonding resin to protect exposed roots, as a couple of examples. You Don’t Have to Live with Uncomfortably Sensitive Teeth! Tooth sensitivity isn’t something that you have to live with. There are a variety of tactics that you can try at home, and when those fail, your dentist is there to give you additional treatment options that can help you get some much-needed relief from the discomfort. The best way to start on your path towards pain-free teeth, though, is by making an appointment to see your dentist so that you can receive a diagnosis that can help direct you towards the most effective remedy. Before long, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite hot and cold foods and drinks without flinching in pain.   Sources: https://www.livescience.com/44377-sensitive-teeth.html https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity/how-to-relieve-sensitive-teeth-naturally https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-sensitivity#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854   https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/teeth-sensitivity/sensitive-teeth-causes-treatments-prevention https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/teeth-sensitivity/what-helps-sensitive-teeth-relief-treatment https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_33.pdf?la=en https://www.123dentist.com/4-treatments-sensitive-teeth/