It can happen to the best of us; it’s a warm day, and we are sat outside, relaxing in the sun. We reach for a drink of our iced water and ouch! Our sensitive teeth play up.

As annoying as this is for many people, sensitive teeth are surprisingly common and, while there are many toothpastes that state they can help people who have sensitive teeth, if you have persistent issues with your teeth responding to either hot or cold stimuli, you need to see a member of our team.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, our dentist in Mascot, alongside our hygienist, can help resolve the issues that cause sensitive teeth and can offer you a variety of treatments to help you eradicate that sharp sensation. From veneers to fluoride sealants, our team will choose the optimum treatment to reverse sensitive teeth.

But, what are some of the most common causes of sensitive teeth? Is it possible to avoid them?

Our dentist in Mascot has the answers!

Excess mouthwash

While it is an important part of many people’s dental routine, mouthwash may actually be causing you to have more sensitivity problems with your teeth.

As odd as this sounds, some mouthwashes contain acids, which can heighten or create issues with your teeth, causing or exacerbating sensitivity. If you rinse your mouth twice a day with mouthwash and are unsure if it is the cause of your sore teeth, try reducing how often you use it and switch to a gentler brand designed for sensitive teeth.

Acidic foods

Of course, we all want to be healthy and while our dentist in Mascot would never tell you to stop eating fruits or drinking juices, these highly acidic products could cause issues with sensitivity.

When acid hits the enamel of our teeth, it can cause minor erosion. While some erosion is to be expected with daily wear and tear, if you consume acidic drinks or foods everyday, your enamel can weaken, leading to sensitive teeth.

To reduce this, cut back on the orange juice and the tomato sauce and opt to brush your teeth with a paste that targets acid and neutralises it!

Gum recession

Common in older people and those who smoke, gum recession can cause the hidden parts of the teeth to become exposed.

This can (and does) cause the teeth to become hyper sensitive, as channels that were protected by the gums are now exposed. If you notice your gums receding, come in and see our team

Rough brushing

Are you a bit of a rough brusher?

If you are, you may be eroding the enamel from the surface of your teeth, causing heightened sensitivity. Luckily, this is easily reversed; a trip to see our team at the Healthy Smile Centre can provide you with a lesson in the correct brushing technique, sealants and advice on softer toothbrushes.

Decay

For obvious reasons, decay can cause dental sensitivity.

If you notice sudden sensitivity, decay is one of the most likely culprits.

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article