If you have sensitive teeth, you'll probably experience occasional discomfort or pain when eating or drinking cold, hot or acidic food, or when you brush your teeth. It's nothing to worry about. Sensitivity isn't necessarily a sign of weak teeth. Nor is it necessarily a result of ageing or your inherited genes, and it doesn't mean your teeth are about to fall out. Underneath the protective enamel coating of teeth is a highly porous layer called dentine. Once dentine becomes exposed, the nerve in the centre of the tooth becomes susceptible to stimuli and responds with a short sharp pain. The usual reason for exposed dentine is receding gums, which commonly results from over-enthusiastic brushing, aging or gum disease.
There are several 'triggers' or stimuli which can cause discomfort or pain for those with sensitive teeth. Different people have different experiences of sensitivity. Some people feel discomfort or pain only with cold foods, others only with acidic foods or brushing. Common triggers include:
Cold food and drinks – ice cream, chilled drinks and ice cubes.
Hot food and drinks – soup, coffee and tea.
Sweet food – sticky toffee pudding, chocolate and lollies.
Acidic foods and drinks – fizzy drinks and even healthy fruit and fruit juice.
Cold air – breathing in cold air can cause discomfort for some people.
Brushing teeth – especially when followed by rinsing with cold water.
Sensitive teeth can easily be treated with the regular use of desensitising toothpaste and the correct brushing technique with a soft manual or electric toothbrush. Refer to our advice on “Correct brushing techniques”
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By brushing gently with desensitising toothpaste, you should start to notice an improvement, in most cases within two to four weeks. If, after one month of consistent use, your teeth are still sensitive, consult your dentist.
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