A cold drink - ouch!

Painful sensitive teeth? Pain travelling all the way down to your core? Painful teeth are a reaction in one or more teeth triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. The pain can even be triggered by simply breathing through the mouth in cold weather. Sensitive teeth is not exclusive to old age, often the young also experience sensitivity as well.

Dentists estimate that 15- 30% of the population suffer from oversensitivity.

Sensitivity and teeth pain due to cold and/or warm temperatures (food, drinks, air), should be wisely interpreted as a warning signal that the dental roots, which are normally protected by the hard dental enamel or the gums, are exposed. Dental root can be exposed as a result of wearing of the tooth enamel, recession of the gum, gum disease, presence of plaque between teeth and gums, cracked teeth and/or grinding of the teeth.

The best prevention of sensitivity is good oral hygiene; clean all of your teeth and mouth thoroughly using soft bristled toothbrush on regular basis.

Brushing does not always protect teeth

Teeth and gums may be damaged not only if one brushes them too little, but also if one brushes them too often, with the wrong type of brush and too much pressure. Over a period of time, improper brushing (brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush) may permanently cause abrasions, damage the gums, wear away teeth enamel and cause the dentine to be exposed damaging the tooth itself irreparably.

It is therefore important to use good tooth brushing techniques and brush teeth with a soft toothbrush.

How often one needs to brush teeth depends a lot on eating habits. It is generally recommended to brush twice daily; one preferably in the evening before sleeping.

Exposed dental roots after periodontal treatments

Once the gums have receded, it is not possible to reverse the process, even if the remaining gums are restored to healthy again. The recession often leaves the dental roots exposed and may lead to oversensitivity of the teeth. To avoid further recession, complications and pain, it is important to brush teeth very gently with gentle cleaning products.

Action against sensitive teeth

First and foremost, know and practise the correct tooth brushing techniques. If in doubt, your or any dentist or dental hygienist can advise and demonstrate for you the right technique. Second, use only soft brushes that are proven to clean gently but thoroughly. Studies have shown that soft toothbrushes clean and protect teeth better than hard brushes. Thirdly, use toothpaste with low abrasive value (RDA level of 25-50). If the value is not indicated on the package, call the manufacturer or use only products that declare their abrasion level. Specifically, fluoridated low abrasion toothpaste is recommended for caries prevention.