All mothers would like to believe that Mother’s Day is the one day when they can put their feet up and be pampered by their families. For ‘pampered’ read waited on hand and foot with a free visit to the spa thrown in for good measure, not to mention unlimited access to chocolate cake and reruns of their favourite rom coms.

No matter how the day actually unfolds, Mother’s Day has been around for a long time. Its history is long and convoluted.

Many people believe that Mother’s Day began in America in 1914 when the then President, Woodrow Wilson, declared that every year the second Sunday of May would be a national holiday – Mother’s Day.

That might be when it officially started in the USA but in 250 BC. Ancient Greece and Rome celebrated Rhea and Cybele, the mothers of gods and goddesses, respectively. Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent was celebrated in the 17th Century. It probably began as a celebration of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It morphed to additionally celebrate the ‘Mother church’ and one’s own mother.

As a result, the date of Mother’s Day differs across the globe. In New Zealand, this year, it was 8 May.

No matter what day it is, mothers need a chance to relax. But how can you relax when everything you eat, or drink sends sharp pain through your teeth? Even if it’s only a feeling of discomfort rather than pain, it’s still an annoyance you don’t need.

6 Causes of sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth can be caused by:

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Cavities
• Exposed tooth root
• Gum disease
• Worn filling
• Worn tooth enamel

5 Ways to ease tooth sensitivity

• The right toothpaste: 

There are several over-the-counter desensitising toothpastes that can, to an extent, block the sensitivity of teeth. Remember to brush correctly, two to three times a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes. Flossing and rinsing with salt water at each brushing will also help. Drink a glass or two of water after every meal, snack, or drink to reduce the acidic damage to your teeth.

• Fluoride:

Applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth by the dentist, fluoride not only strengthens the enamel but also reduces the pain. Talk to your dentist about prescription fluoride that you can apply at home.

• Bonding Resin:

Under a local anaesthetic, bonding resin can occasionally be applied to an exposed root surface.

• Root canal treatment (Crowns):

If the pain is severe and the root is exposed, the best treatment is root canal treatment, also known as crowns. It is the most effective way to reduce tooth sensitivity.

• Surgical gum graft:

Poor brushing technique or dental hygiene can cause gum recession. If they recede too far the root is exposed. In this case, gum tissue from somewhere else in your mouth can be taken and grafted into place over the exposed root.

In this year’s Mothering Month of May, don’t let sensitive teeth ruin your ultimate day of pampering. Contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL. Make an appointment today and make sure your teeth have the best care available!