Sensitive teeth

For some people sensitive teeth are very unpleasant, but fortunately there are several ways to ease the problem.

Do you have these problems?

• Does just looking at a cold drink give you goosebumps?
• In winter, do you keep your mouth shut so the frost does not hurt your teeth?
• Does hot tea or coffee cause similar trouble?
• Is the touch of a toothbrush so unpleasant that you brush very carefully?

What causes sensitivity

A common cause of sensitive teeth is a poor brushing technique and an unsuitable toothbrush or interdental brush. The enamel near the neck of the tooth is thin and easily irritated, and the gum may recede if you press the brush too hard.

Sensitive teeth are also common in people who often drink acidic drinks (cola, juices), take certain medicinal syrups or have cracked teeth. In all these cases the dentine is exposed, and its tubules carry stimuli to the nerve endings in the pulp. Irritation of the pulp then causes pain.

How to treat sensitivity

• first of all improve your brushing technique and check your cleaning aids
• limit or avoid acidic drinks and food
• use special toothpastes and mouthwashes for sensitive teeth
• have a varnish with a higher fluoride content applied to the exposed neck of the tooth
• in some cases a filling is needed