If you have dental sensitivity and your teeth are not compromised due to decay or acid erosion, there are some actions that you can proactively take to improve the sensitivity. There are also some dental procedures available that can improve sensitivity that is not caused by tooth damage. The following information will introduce you to things you can do and potential strategies a dentist could implement to improve your dental sensitivity. 

Oral Care Frequency 

Keep brushing limited to twice a day, and floss once a day. Brushing more than this could make your tooth sensitivity more pronounced. Brushing less than twice a day might place you at risk for other issues such as tooth decay or gingivitis. 

Selection of Toothbrushing Products

You should also choose your toothbrushes wisely. Cheaply made brushes might shed bristles that could poke gums and make mouth irritation worse. Also, choose a soft-bristled brush, or be on the watch for brands that offer ultrasoft varieties.  This is because the harder bristled toothbrush options are not a guarantee for more effective cleansing, and they could make your tooth sensitivity worse. 

Select toothpaste that is designed for your condition. There are numerous brands of sensitivity toothpaste on the market. Aim to only select those that are approved by the American Dental Association. These should be easy to identify because they will have the seal from the organization printed on the packaging, which is indicative that all claims on the packaging have been tested and proven. As long as fluoride is not a health or personal concern, choose a toothpaste that contains it. You may be able to find a mouth rinse of the same brand to complement the toothpaste you choose. 

Professional Dental Intervention

A dentist may suggest a more aggressive approach to improving your sensitivity. This is something that may be incorporated into a regular cleaning visit to make the process more transparent and because the dentist will likely want your teeth cleaned before beginning the chosen procedure. 

Laser treatments can be used to reduce sensitivity. Dentists use the lasers to alter the tubules in teeth. This results in reduced sensitivity, and in some cases, sensitivity issues may disappear after laser treatments.

Fluoride varnishes are sometimes applied to the surfaces of clean teeth in dental offices. This process strengthens enamel, which can make tooth sensitivity improve. This may not offer long-term improvement, but there are products that your dentist can use that can seal the tubules of teeth similarly to the way lasers do. These are ideal for long-term treatment strategies. 

Finally, a dentist can determine what the exact cause for the tooth sensitivity is. If a condition such a teeth grinding is the culprit, a custom made mouthpiece may be recommended to keep you from placing any strain on your teeth. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Smile 1st Dental Care.