As you get older, you may start to notice your teeth become more sensitive. You are no longer able to dig right into that ice cream or have a drink with ice in it without feeling the sensation go through your teeth. The reason for this is that the protective part of the tooth enamel can start to wear down, which starts to expose the soft, inner part of the tooth. This is where all the nerves are located. The good news is there are a few steps you can take to help manage tooth sensitivity. These include:

# Us a straw: If the thought of having your teeth touch the ice in a drink sends shivers down your spine, then consider grabbing a straw. This helps the liquid go around the teeth so you won’t have to deal with some of that sensitivity along the way.

# Eat your dessert differently: If you are a fan of frozen desserts, you may need to get creative in the way you eat them. Rather than biting right into the ice cream, for example, consider licking it. This allows you to enjoy the treat for longer, while avoiding some of that direct contact.

# Breathe through your nose: To make sure that a gust of cold air does not hurt your teeth, make sure that you use a scarf and then breathe through your nose when you are outside in the winter. This can keep the teeth protected.

# Practice good oral care: Reduce the risk of the teeth becoming sensitive. A good oral care routine will protect the teeth and can prevent some common tooth problems along the way.

# Use the right toothpaste: There are several types of toothpaste that you can choose that are meant to help relieve the pain from sensitivity while providing protection for the teeth at the same time. If you switch out the toothpaste that you use and make the new one a part of your routine, you can keep your teeth as healthy as possible while enjoying your favorite cold drinks and foods each day.

When you are ready to get your teeth to look their very best, then working with your dentist is one of the best decisions you can make. Our team of professionals is here to help. We provide a variety of different dental procedures to improve your smile, including routine cleanings and checkups and laser dentistry. Schedule an appointment today and see what a difference it can make for your smile and the overall health of your teeth for a lifetime.