Finding A Great Dentist

Sensitive Teeth And Gums? 3 Tips To Ease Your Discomfort Before You Get Veneers

3 June 2015

Kenzi Thompson

If you have sensitive teeth and gums, you may be wonder if porcelain veneers will hurt once you get them. You may experience some minor discomfort after a veneer placement. However, you can take steps to minimize the problem by preparing your sensitive mouth before the treatment.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Before your dentist places your veneers, they gently remove a thin layer of enamel from the surfaces of your teeth. The adhesive used to place your veneers requires a porous surface to stay on properly. In addition, if your teeth crowns are too thick to place the veneers successfully, the dentist will need to resurface or smooth them with an abrasion tool.

Although the dentist applies anesthetic to your gums, the abrasion tool can vibrate on your teeth as it removes enamel. You can reduce any discomfort you expect to feel from the resurfacing by using a soft-bristled toothbrush a week or so before your treatment.

Even though toothbrushes protect your teeth from cavities, hard-bristled toothbrushes can wear down your tooth enamel over time. A soft-bristled brush slows down this problem, or it can stop it altogether.

Also, use a water flosser to gently clean between your teeth instead of regular floss. The nylon cord of regular floss can irritate your gums, which increases the sensitivity on your mouth.

If your dentist sees that your gums are too swollen and inflamed, they'll postpone your veneer placement.

Eat Soft-Textured Food

What you eat prior to your dental appointment can increase sensitivity in your teeth and gums. You may want to eat soft-textured food, such as tofu, fish and boiled vegetables. Your teeth can easily cut and chew these types of food without placing stress on their crowns.

Consuming beverages that are too cold or too hot can crack your teeth enamel. Avoid exposing your teeth to different temperature changes by drinking lukewarm water or warm milk throughout the day.

Swish Your Mouth With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil pulls bacteria and plaque away from your teeth crowns and gumline, which may reduce irritation in these areas.

Simply place 1 teaspoon of oil in 1 cup of room temperature water, and then swish for 2 minutes. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to help remove any oil residue from your teeth and gums.

If you want to learn more about protecting your sensitive teeth and gums, talk with a dentist like Dr. Paul Goodman.

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