Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are one of the most common dental complaints in the general public. When tooth enamel gets worn or the gums recede the tooth’s dentine can get exposed. Dentine is softer and more porous than enamel, with tiny tubules which connects to the nerve of the tooth. Therefore dentine will be more sensitive to certain foods, touching of the tooth surface, cold air any temperature changes inside the mouth. Over time your teeth can develop microscopic cracks which allow these sensations to seep through to the nerve.
Some toothpaste can be too abrasive (i.e.: whitening toothpastes and smoker toothpastes) and will worsen dental sensitivity. To prevent or to help cure dental sensitivity it is always good to use a medium hardness toothbrush, avoid pressing to hard and also avoid brushing in horizontal strokes which will only wear the tooth enamel more and expose more sensitive spots. There are some excellent toothpastes on the market to help treat sensitivity and you can also get special toothpaste with a higher fluoride content than normal ‘over the counter’ toothpastes, from you dentist. If your sensitivity lasts for more than a month after you have tried these remedies, it might be necessary to seek advice from your dentist as it may be a dental cavity or early decay that is causing the sensitivity. By using a daily fluoridated mouthwash and toothpaste and by cutting sugar down in your diet, it could help to prevent sensitivity overall.