How-to: deal with sensitive teeth

Being sensitive has become somewhat en vogue. From sensitive new age guys (otherwise known as S.N.A.G.S) to sensitive skincare ranges and eco-sensitive ways of living – it seems the whole world is learning to embrace their soft side. Unfortunately, there’s nothing worth embracing when it comes to sensitive teeth. Causing intense toothache that often leads to anxiety over consuming certain foods and beverages, having sensitive teeth can be a real nightmare.
Thankfully, there is a way to make handling sensitive teeth easier. Here’s how…
Change your toothbrush
If you’ve been using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush, try swapping to a soft brush, which will be much less abrasive on the sensitive coating of your teeth.
Brush sensitively
Thanks to modern dental advancements, toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth is now widely available, but not all sensitive dental care products are as effective as they claim to be, so read the label carefully. We recommend using a clinically proven dental care treatment gel like Sensodyne Rapid Relief, which works by creating a seal over sensitive teeth and a physical barrier to sensitivity triggers.
Avoid acidic foods
Acidic foods like chocolate and soft drinks can worsen pre-existing sensitivity, so it’s best to avoid them where possible, but if you have to eat them – try applying a protective gel first, to prevent sensitive teeth from being attacked by food acids.
See your dentist
Did you know that if traditional methods are not working, your dentist can actually give you a clinical treatment to reduce, if not altogether eliminate, sensitivity? Many dentists use oxate compounds which are rubbed into the teeth to stop sensation, they can also prescribe fluoride-rich mouthwashes, which will help to strengthen weakened sensitive teeth.
73 Member Comments
I'm going to try the flouride moutwash for my newly chipped sensitive tooth - thankyou bh for this help.
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I never used to but now I feel like my teeth are a bit sensitive. When I eat ice cream I feel a bit of pain.
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I feel lucky that I dont have sensitive teeth. I love ice cream.
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Great tips!!!!
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Sensitive toothpastes should be used when brushing the sensitive teeth, but after brushing your teeth, you can leave a small smear over the neck of the sensitive tooth before going to bed for added effect. Do not rinse. It is safe. Cold sensitivity is normal, if the soreness does not linger. If it lingers or you have heat sensitivity, see your dentist.
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this is a test comment
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I use Sensodine because all of the acidity in my diet.. (aherm.. Wine) has caused a lot of enamel wear. They still get sensitive sometimes though, so diet really does play a big part in looking after our teeth.
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cold icy water always hurt my teeth!!
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Rinsing my mouth with water from winter has that effect on me too - I have to turn the hot water on too so I get a warmer water to rinse with in winter.
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I have been using sensodyne for years and I love it! In particular the range available in USA because I find the whitening properties of their formula are much more effective.
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how you eat and what you eat really affects your teeth I've learnt. Its with your entire health and wellbeing- if you can stick to a healthy nutritious diet without all the nasty junk, give your body enough exercise, good sleep, water and a healthy lifestyle in general...then pretty much everything improves.
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I know this can be quite a pessimistic thing to say but I honestly am not the biggest fan of my teeth. As well as being extremely sensitive and painful at times, they are small, yellow in colour no matter how much I brush them and they are crooked and have gaps. I hope they can be improved in the future...
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I get sensitive teeth occasionally, I use a soft toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste which I find helps.
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Thanks for this info Amy460.
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I find hormonal 'times of the month' also my teeth are more sensitive! Bizarre I know but it's true!
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I have been experiencing teeth sensitivity which comes and goes. It particularly sensitive right at the top of the teeth near the gum lines. I must look at changing my toothpaste to one such as Sensodyne.
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does colgate have sensitive toothpaste?
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Yes they do now!!
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I tried using toothpaste for sensitive skin!
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Angela from Perth, I know you commented a few years ago, but I completely agree with you. Tooth Mousse is AWESOME! It doesn't do any damage to your teeth, which whiteners on the market can do by bleaching and therefore weakening the enamel on your teeth. Tooth Mousse reduces sensitivity in teeth, gets rid of unsightly spots on your teeth over time and strengthens enamel. It is made in Japan, comes in a variety of flavours and is much cheaper than teeth whitener products. We need to do an official review of this product, Beautyheaven!! It's too good a product not to share!
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Thanks for the tips, I surely needed them badly!
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Sounds wonderful!
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I have extremely sensitive teeth, the dentist has to numb my mouth just to clean them! My dentist recommended Sensodyne Repair toothpaste and it has helped immensely. I have tried many varieties of sensitive toothpaste, they would help a little but not stop the problem. Sensodyne repair has actually repaired my sensitivity enough that I can use normal Colgate on alternate days.
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