Sensitive Teeth

Why are my teeth always so sensitive?

 

Sensitivity of the teeth to cold, when eating or when brushing the teeth can mean decay.  It can also mean something else.  Teeth can be sensitive because of diet.

 

The acids that cause sensitive teeth are

· Soft drinks (including diet drinks)

· Sports drinks

· Some fruit juices (especially lemon or grapefruit juice)

· Vinegar and pickles

· Wine

· Some medicines such as ascorbic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, cough suppressants

· Gastric juices (any cause of frequent vomiting or gastric reflux such as hiatus hernia, morning sickness or bulimia)

 

The acids suck minerals out of the tooth or dissolve part of the teeth. Making them more porous, more sensitive and softer.

            

A dry mouth can make the sensitivity worse.  After an acid attack the teeth slowly and gradually recover by remineralising.  This process depends on having adequate saliva and is helped by certain foods especially dairy products such as cheese or yoghurt.

 

What can I do to make my teeth less sensitive?

 

Decrease the frequency of acidic foods or drinks.  Especially drinks.  Drink such liquids through a straw or consume with foods.  Or after drinking and acidic drink wash your mouth with water. Avoid excessive consumption of acidic liquids between meals. Between meals drink non-acidic drinks such as water, tea, coffee or milk drinks. Chewing a piece of cheese after wine or adding yoghurt to fruit juice is a good idea.

 

There are a variety of toothpastes that are designed for sensitive teeth. Basically if it has sensitive or something similar in the name then it is advantageous. Different toothpastes work in different ways so the best thing is to alternate them or use a couple of different toothpastes at the one time (one in the morning and one at night). The important thing is to use them- the toothpastes- twice a day. After breakfast and last thing at night.  Don’t rinse after brushing.  Spit out any excess toothpaste but don’t rinse.  The toothpaste is good for your teeth and the longer it stays in contact with your teeth the better. ‘Toothmousse’ is also very good at preventing sensitivity as well as promoting remineralisation of enamel and is a very good thing to put on the teeth last thing at night.

 

Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after an acid attack (when you have drunk an acidic liquid).  The acid will soften the teeth and if you wait half an hour then the enamel has a chance to recover, remineralise and harden.  Immediately after an acid attack rinsing your mouth with water is advantageous.  Rinsing with milk, fluoride mouthrinse or sodium bicarbonate can also help.