Sensitivity Treatments

One in three adults experience tooth sensitivity.  The following guidelines are designed to help you avoid many of the problems that can lead to sensitive teeth.

Some thinning of the tooth enamel and some gum recession occur with age, but effective treatment is available for the pain of sensitive teeth and the early gum disease that is often the underlying cause. You can take action to end the pain and help stop gum disease in its tracks by:

• remembering that the tissues in your mouth are easily damaged, so treat them gently
• don't brush too hard, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• brush your teeth before meals to gain the most protective benefit from your toothpaste
• don't brush your teeth immediately after meals, especially if you have eaten acidic foods or drinks such as citrus or red wine
• rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking or use a sugar free chewing gum
• limit sugary or acidic snacks between meals as high acidity increases the possibility of damage to the enamel

   

Discuss sensitivity with your dentist to assess the problem and get advice.

Use a product such as Sensodyne toothpaste or toothmousse to remineralise sensitive areas especially before undertaking tooth whitening procedures.

Don't leave fractured or chipped teeth unrepaired and seek advice about clenching and grinding.