How to Relieve Sensitive Teeth
Whether you’ve toughed it out or made small changes, like chewing on one side of your mouth, you may have figured out how to deal with your sensitive teeth – but there are more effective ways.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the softer inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin layer contains tubules that lead to the nerve inside the teeth. This can occur if the enamel (the protective outer layer of your tooth) wears away or the gum recedes, allowing triggers like hot, cold or sweet substances to reach the nerves and cause a painful sensation.i
By taking steps to avoid damaging your enamel and gums, you can help to reduce tooth sensitivity. Or, if you already have sensitive teeth, there are a number of ways you can manage the discomfort when eating hot or cold foods.
Switching to a daily sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne is an easy way to reduce tooth sensitivity and enjoy the foods and drinks you love without thinking twice. Sensodyne toothpastes contain either potassium nitrate, which soothes the nerves and reduces pain signals, or stannous fluoride, which builds a protective layer over exposed dentin to block triggers from reaching the nerves. All Sensodyne toothpastes also contain fluoride to provide protection from tooth decay and strengthen teeth.ii
Learn what you can do to help prevent sensitive tooth pain from starting, or how to get relief if you already experience sensitivity, below.
Daily Care for Sensitive Teeth
Treating your sensitive teeth on a daily basis is very important as, once tooth enamel is worn away, it cannot repair itself. This leaves dentin exposed, which can lead to sensitivity.iii
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee immediate relief from tooth sensitivity pain. However, by taking the following steps, you can help to avoid additional damage to your enamel – and also get some pain relief for your sensitive teeth.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Start using Sensodyne toothpaste
Brush two times a day, every day, for continued sensitivity relief with Sensodyne toothpastes.
Wait one hour after eating before you brush
Acids in food and drinks can weaken your tooth enamel and make it more vulnerable to being scrubbed away right after eating.v, viii
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
They are gentler on your teeth and gums.iv
Balance an acidic diet
Pair acidic foods with less acidic options (water or dairy products, such as milk and cheese) to help prevent enamel erosion.vii, viii
Have acidic foods less often
Try to limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks throughout the day. Only consume them at mealtimes to help reduce exposure to enamel-eroding acids.v
Drink acidic beverages through a straw
This help to avoid contact with your tooth enamel.viii
Visit your dentist
Schedule regular dental checkups to discuss any concerns.
How Sensodyne Works
0:24
Watch our video to learn what causes tooth sensitivity and how Sensodyne toothpastes help to treat sensitive teeth and prevent sensitivity pain from coming back.
How Sensodyne Can Help
5.0 Customer Rating
“I’m amazed at how quickly it worked and how after 2 weeks my teeth are so much stronger and less sensitive to cold and hot.”
TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR TEETH
Start using Sensodyne
Brush 2x a day, every day, for continued relief.
Try a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush
They are gentler on the sensitive areas of your teeth.
Wear a mouth guard
Teeth grinding can cause enamel wear and lead to sensitivity. **
Balance an acidic diet
Pair acidic foods with less acidic options to help prevent enamel erosion.
Visit your dentist
Schedule a checkup every 6 months.
**Sensodyne toothpastes may not help with sensitivity caused by teeth grinding
- i. Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatments. American Dental Association.
Link - ii. Toothpastes. American Dental Association.
Link - iii. Tooth. Mouth Healthy.
Link - iv. Brushing Your Teeth. Mouth Healthy.
Link - v. Diet and my Teeth. Oral Health Foundation.
Link - vi. Sensitive Teeth. Oral Health Foundation.
Link - vii. Dental erosion. Better Health Channel, Victoria State Government, Australia.
Link - viii. Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth. Mouth Healthy.
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