Ever get that nasty pain in your teeth when you nibble on an ice-cream, sip on a soda or eat something sweet?

Why do we struggle with sensitive teeth?

Teeth and the effects of sensitivity impacts as many as 1 in every 3 of us, making life a painful experience at best.

Sensitivity mainly occurs when the dentine beneath tooth enamel is exposed or worn away.

It is still very much debated as to whether sensitivity and tooth enamel issue can be treated successfully, it has however been noted that there are a few tooth related habits that can be changed in order to reduce the pain and sensitivity that you may experience.

Causes of sensitive teeth

Here are three things you may not have known were causing sensitive teeth, and how you can possibly improve it …

1. Enthusiastic tooth brushing

Many people think that the more vigorously they brush their teeth the better, but this can wear away your tooth enamel and gums. When it comes to brushing technique, try to brush for at least two minutes and use gentle circular movements. Focus on areas where plaque gathers, such as biting surfaces and where the teeth and gums meet.

2. Grinding your teeth

In the medical world teeth grinding is know as ‘bruxism’. This is a condition which is usually brought on by stress and tension, it is a sub-conscious action that often occurs whilst sleeping, but it is not uncommon for others to clench or grind their teeth during the day. Without realising it clenching and grinding is damaging your teeth, this can have a detrimental impact on your health and even distort your facial features.

Clenching can result in the wearing down of the enamel and expose the underlying dentine, this, unfortunately, cannot be reversed. There is a solution that can help prevent furthering wear and tear in the form of injectable muscle relaxants. These prevent the muscles from contracting and as a result, it reduces the clenching and wear and tear on the teeth.

3. Acid erosion

When acid from food and drink comes into contact with the tooth itself, it softens the enamel surface and over time wear’s it away. Avoid brushing straight after acidic food and drinks to allow time for your enamel to re-harden.

Your gums and how they affect your health

The main cause of gingivitis is plaque (or biofilm), a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth when starches and sugars react with bacteria that is naturally present in the mouth. Plaque buildup occurs between the teeth and gums, in faulty fillings, and near poorly cleaned partial dentures, bridges, and braces. If not removed within 72 hours, plaque will harden into tartar that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. These pockets can collect bacteria and debris, and become infected or abscessed. Bacterial toxins eventually break down the underlying bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. The ultimate outcome is tooth loss.

Avoid brushing straight after acidic food and drinks to allow time for your enamel to re-harden.