Ouch! What can you do about sensitive teeth?

If you’ve experienced it, you’ll know, sensitive teeth can cause a whole lot of pain. For you, it might be hot tea, for someone else, it could be ice cream – whatever the trigger, the pain it causes can be quite sudden and severe.

Take note, sometimes teeth sensitivity can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as tooth decay – so it’s always a good idea to see your dentist if it’s bothering you.

Here’s a quick rundown on what might be causing your sensitive teeth – and how you may be able to reduce the pain this can cause.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Our teeth can become sensitive when the enamel – the hard smooth outer layer – or gums wear away. When we lose these protective layers, it can expose the inner tooth structure, called the dentine. Nerves inside the dentine can cause the sensitivity and pain.

Some factors that may lead to this scenario include:
 

• tooth erosion from consuming too many acidic food or drinks
• teeth grinding or clenching while sleeping
• gums shrinking away from the teeth.

When the dentine is exposed, many different types of stimuli can cause your teeth to feel sensitive. Some common causes are:
 

• hot, cold or sweet foods or drinks
• cool air
• touch, such as from a toothbrush.

The pain you feel happens when a stimulus contacts the tooth. For many people, this is a short, sharp pain. You might feel it in just one tooth – or many.

If you’re still experiencing pain when the stimulus isn’t present, your pain might be from tooth decay.

If you’re not sure of the cause, it’s best to see your dentist to work out what’s going on in there.

Foods to eat or avoid for sensitive teeth

Certain foods and drinks we consume can impact tooth sensitivity. As you may have guessed, you might want to steer clear of too many sugary and acidic food and drinks. Sugar feeds bacteria which can encourage tooth decay.

On the other hand, there are some foods that can actually help our overall dental health, such as dairy (as long as it’s unsweetened), whole grains, leafy greens, eggs, and lean meats, poultry and fish.

Dairy products in particular, such as plain milk, can be a great help as, aside from containing strengthening calcium and vitamin D, it neutralises the acids found in sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and increases saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles, in turn helping to prevent plaque.

READ MORE: 10 foods for clean, healthy teeth

How to prevent sensitive teeth

Looking after your general dental health is your best bet for preventing teeth sensitivity. Here are some aspects to keep in mind.

Brushing technique

It’s recommended that you brush two times every day with toothpaste that contains fluoride, and floss once a day. Be sure to not press too hard when brushing your teeth. It’s also a good idea to opt for a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.

Hydration

Tap water can help keep you hydrated, wash away food and bacteria, and add extra dental protection if it contains fluoride, which can strengthen your enamel. Keep in mind that adding citrus fruits such as lemon to your water may lead to tooth sensitivity or erosion, because of their acidic content – so try to keep this to a minimum.

Sugar intake

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the amount of sugary and acidic drinks you consume, to reduce your chances of developing tooth sensitivity. Also, make sure you wait at least an hour after consuming sugary food or drinks to brush your teeth as brushing too soon can prompt tooth wear.

READ MORE: 4 reasons why you should reduce your sugar intake

Toothpastes

Desensitising toothpastes are designed to treat tooth sensitivity. If you often feel pain from sensitive teeth, this could be a good option for you. The ingredients they contain help soothe the nerves in the teeth and form a barrier over the sensitive areas to stop them from responding to stimuli.

If sensitivity persists, you may need to consider treatment.

Dental treatment

Your dentist can help diagnose if your sensitivity is from tooth decay and, if so, treat it for you. This sensitivity will normally go away when the tooth is fixed.

Having regular dental check-ups – every 6 to 12 months – is your best chance of preventing any dental and oral issues – or catching them early.