If you have sensitive teeth the very idea of chomping into an ice cream is enough to make you cringe.  It’s estimated that 1 in 8 of us in the UK suffer from sensitive teeth, and it can range from a mild twinge to a proper ache.

So what causes sensitivity, and what can we do about it?

What is sensitivity?

Sensitivity is usually felt as a sharp pain in one or more teeth, that is usually brought on by eating cold foods, drinking an icy drink, nibbling sweet treats, or even just breathing in cold air on a wintery day. 

The pain is usually short-lived and eases within a few seconds, but if it is something that occurs regularly it can become bothersome and can affect your everyday life.

Most cases of sensitivity are caused by thinning of the outer layer of the teeth known as the enamel, which makes it easier for sensations such as hot and cold to reach the nerve in the tooth. This thinning can happen for several reasons including:

·         Brushing your teeth too hard

·         Brushing with a hard toothbrush

·         Drinking acidic drinks frequently, like pure fruit juices and fizzy drinks – even diet versions

·         Grinding your teeth

·         Receding gums

So, what to do about it?

First off,  if sensitivity is really getting you down book an appointment with your dentist.  They can help you establish what is causing your discomfort and advise you on the best steps to take.

 Other ways to manage and reduce your risk of sensitivity include:

·         Use a soft to medium toothbrush.  Using hard toothbrushes can damage the enamel on your teeth, leading to more sensitivity

·         Modify your Toothbrushing technique – click the link for some helpful tips from Colgate

·         Wait for at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth

·         Reduce the frequency of acidic drinks, and using a straw can help

·         Use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity.  Sensodyne offers a great range of products

So don’t let sensitivity get in the way of enjoying that mojito or tub of Häagan-Dazs – not that we would ever encourage such things… :p