How to Stop Tooth Decay and Tooth Sensitivity: Easy Guide

Do you feel pain when you eat ice cream? Do your teeth hurt when you drink hot tea? You are not alone! Many people have tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. But don’t worry! You can stop these problems with some simple steps.

In this guide, you will learn how to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free. Let’s make your smile happy again!

What Causes Tooth Problems?

Before we fix the problem, let’s see what makes teeth hurt:

• Sugar feeds bad bugs in your mouth
• Hard brushing can wear down teeth
• Acidic foods like lemon can hurt teeth
• Grinding teeth at night breaks them down
• Not enough brushing lets plaque build up

Over 90% of adults get tooth decay, and 1 in 8 people have sensitive teeth. But good news! Both problems can be fixed.

Daily Tooth Care Routine

Brushing Tips

The right way to brush makes a big difference! Here’s how:

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
2. Hold brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
3. Brush gently in small circles
4. Brush for two minutes, two times a day
5. Don’t forget to clean your tongue

Important: Hard brushing increases gum problems by 27%! Always use a soft brush.

Best Toothpaste Choices

Not all toothpaste is the same. Look for these kinds:

• Fluoride toothpaste – stops 24% of cavities
• Potassium nitrate – helps with sensitivity
• Stannous fluoride – fights bacteria
• Nano-hydroxyapatite – fixes tiny holes in teeth

Flossing & Rinsing

Brushing alone misses 40% of your teeth surfaces! You need to:

1. Floss between all teeth once daily
2. Try a water flosser (removes 29% more plaque than string floss)
3. Use alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing

Pro Tip: Floss, then brush, then rinse for best results!

Foods That Help or Hurt Teeth

What you eat changes your teeth a lot! Let’s look at good and bad foods:

Foods That Hurt Teeth

These foods can cause decay and sensitivity:

• Sugary treats (candy, cookies, cake)
• Acidic drinks (soda pop, sports drinks)
• Sticky foods (dried fruit, caramel)
• Very hot or cold foods (for sensitive teeth)

The WHO says we should eat less than 25g of sugar per day. More sugar means 114% higher risk of cavities!

Foods That Help Teeth

These foods make teeth stronger:

• Cheese and milk (has calcium)
• Leafy greens (full of vitamins)
• Crunchy vegetables (clean teeth naturally)
• Nuts (have minerals teeth need)

Also try xylitol gum after meals. It cuts cavity risk by 40% [^6].

Natural Ways to Help Teeth

You can use natural things to help your teeth!

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling uses coconut oil to clean your mouth:

1. Put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth
2. Swish it around for 15-20 minutes
3. Spit it out (not in sink!)
4. Brush your teeth after

Studies show this can cut plaque by 50% in two weeks.

Dental Probiotics

Good bugs can fight bad bugs! Dental probiotics help:

• Balance mouth bacteria
• Fight bad breath
• Lower plaque
• Reduce gum problems

Custom dental guards can also help if you grind your teeth at night.

Special Products for Sensitive Teeth

When teeth hurt from hot, cold, or sweet things, try these:

Desensitizing Toothpaste

These toothpastes block pain signals:

• Sensodyne Pronamel (with potassium nitrate)
• Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Sensitivity
• MI Paste (remineralizing cream)

Use for at least two weeks to see results. These work for 90% of people!

Low-Abrasive Toothpaste

Some toothpastes can wear down teeth. Look for RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) below 70:

Professional Dental Care

While daily care at home helps, seeing the dentist is very important!

Regular Checkups

Visit your dentist every 6 months for:

• Professional cleaning
• Early cavity finding
• Fluoride treatments
• Gum health checks

Treatments at the Dentist

For tooth decay and sensitivity, dentists can do:

• Dental sealants – plastic shields for teeth
• Fluoride varnish – strong protection
• Silver diamine fluoride – stops 80% of cavities
• Gum grafts – covers exposed roots
• Dental bonding – fixes small chips

Night guards from the dentist can help if you grind your teeth. They reduce tooth sensitivity by 68%.

How to Stop Sensitivity Pain Fast

When teeth hurt right now, try these quick fixes:

1. Salt water rinse – mix 1 teaspoon salt in warm water
2. Clove oil – put a tiny bit on sore spot
3. OTC pain medicine – follow package directions
4. Desensitizing gel – from the drug store
5. Avoid trigger foods – no very hot, cold, or sweet foods

Common Mistakes People Make

Avoid these problems to keep teeth healthy:

• Using hard brushes – damages gums
• Brushing right after acidic foods – weakens enamel
• Skipping flossing – misses 40% of tooth surfaces
• Using whitening products too much – hurts enamel
• Drinking soda all day – bathes teeth in acid

Products to Try

Here are some dental treatments and products that really work:

• Waterpik water flosser – easier than string floss
• Electric toothbrush – cleans better than manual
• Xylitol gum (like Epic Dental brand)
• ACT fluoride rinse – extra protection
• TheraBreath mouthwash – alcohol-free
• Custom night guard – stops grinding damage

Questions People Often Ask

Daily Plan to Save Your Teeth

Follow this simple plan every day:

Morning:

1. Brush with sensitivity toothpaste
2. Floss between all teeth
3. Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash
4. Eat tooth-friendly breakfast

After Meals:

1. Rinse mouth with water
2. Chew xylitol gum for 5 minutes

Night:

1. Floss all teeth
2. Brush for two minutes
3. Use fluoride rinse
4. Wear night guard if you grind teeth

Final Thoughts

You can beat tooth decay and sensitivity! With the right tools and habits, your teeth can feel better soon. Remember these key points:

• Brush gently with a soft brush
• Use the right toothpaste for sensitivity
• Floss daily and use mouthwash
• Watch what you eat – less sugar, more calcium
• See your dentist twice a year

Start today with just one small change. Your teeth will thank you!